first time visit yosemite

The Wandering Blonde

Solo Female Travel Blog

California , North America , Travel Guides , United States · August 13, 2019

The First Timer’s Guide to Yosemite: What to Know Before You Visit

It may have taken us two full years after moving to the Bay Area, but this summer Derek and I were finally able to cross off one of our biggest California bucket list items: Yosemite National Park .

I’ve visited several U.S. National Parks in the past, and I’ve previously spent time marveling at California’s majestic mountain ranges. So yes, I thought I knew what to expect upon arriving to Yosemite for a long weekend getaway…but I didn’t.

Yosemite is like another world; it’s a larger-than-life, “pinch me I must be dreaming” kind of place.

The word that kept coming to mind as we explored Yosemite was “majestic.” The mountains, the trees, the waterfalls, the rivers—they’re all so powerful, grand, and wild within the park boundaries.

The famous environmentalist and photographer Ansel Adams once said, “Yosemite Valley, to me, is always a sunrise, a glitter of green and golden wonder in a vast edifice of stone and space.”

Truly, I can’t find any better words to describe our own experience in Yosemite. Waking up with the sun—when the valley floor was still cool and misty—then hiking to the top of Upper Yosemite Falls and seeing the sheer size and scale of the park below…just, wow .

The First Timer’s Guide to Yosemite

Yosemite national park overview, where to stay in yosemite, best sights in yosemite, best hikes in yosemite, how to get around yosemite, where to eat in yosemite, tips for a successful visit to yosemite.

If you’re planning a visit to Yosemite National Park, I hope this guide will serve as a helpful resource for you. Yosemite is definitely a destination that requires a bit of advance planning and preparation…but it’s so worth it!

First, a bit of background about Yosemite!

Yosemite is one of the national parks operated by the U.S. National Park Service . It was established as a park in 1890, and has attracted endless praise and affection from environmentalists, photographers, and outdoor enthusiasts over the years.

Yosemite National Park is situated in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, and is famed for its incredible cliffs, deep valleys, waterfalls, rivers, and ancient sequoia groves.

Oh, and it’s huge .

How huge? Here’s a fun fact to put it in perspective: Yosemite National Park spans nearly 1,200 square miles, making it roughly the size of the U.S. state of Rhode Island!

Yet despite all of that incredible landmass, the vast majority of visitors to Yosemite (there are around 4 million per year, by the way) focus their exploration on the 7 square-mile area of Yosemite Valley.

That’s because  Yosemite Valley is home to many of the park’s most iconic viewpoints and landmarks, such as El Capitan and Half Dome. Outside the Valley, you’ll find other beautiful destinations like Tuolumne Meadows and Mariposa Grove.

The short answer: The BEST place to stay in Yosemite is INSIDE the boundaries of the national park.

The long answer: Yes, staying inside Yosemite National Park is more expensive than staying in one of the small towns just outside the park. Yes, lodging is limited and you’ll likely need to book your stay months in advance. Yes, many of the properties are older and a bit outdated.

Do. It. Anyways.

We booked two nights at Yosemite Valley Lodge , right smack dab in the middle of Yosemite Valley, and I can’t emphasize enough how happy I am that we splurged on this accommodation (…and yes, it was a major splurge for us).

As I mentioned before, Yosemite National Park is BIG. If you stay outside the park, you’ll need to drive 1-1.5 hours in and out of the park each day. By staying inside the park, we were able to use those extra 2-3 hours per day hiking, relaxing and enjoying the views instead.

It also meant that we were able to hit the trails early without needing to wake up before dawn. Early mornings (before 9am) and evenings (after 5pm) were probably the most peaceful times of day!

Additionally, traffic and parking in Yosemite are huge problems. Someone at the front desk of our lodge told us that visitors were complaining about spending an entire hour circling the lot looking for a place to park…after their hour-long drive into the park. Oof!

Add in the awesome pool and the abundant onsite dining , and Yosemite Valley Lodge seriously ended up being the perfect place to stay in Yosemite.

I know I’ve rambled on about this a lot, and I want to stress that my intention is not to make anyone feel bad about not staying in the park. If you’re visiting Yosemite, you’re going to be blown away and have an amazing time. Period.

But if I could offer just one piece of advice about visiting Yosemite, it would be this: stay inside Yosemite National Park if at all possible. It is so, so worth it.

You can view all lodging in Yosemite National Park here.  I recommend looking into Yosemite Valley Lodge , Curry Village if you’re on a budget, and The Ahwahnee if you’re ready to seriously splurge.

If staying inside the park isn’t an option due to budget, availability or group size, check out accommodations in the towns just outside the park, like Groveland, Fish Camp, Oakhurst or Mariposa. I’ve heard great things about Rush Creek Lodge and Tenaya Lodge .

For larger groups, renting an Airbnb just outside the park would be a great option as well ( get $40 off your first booking! )

For one of the most iconic, photo-worthy views in all of Yosemite Valley, you can’t miss Tunnel View . This panoramic viewpoint is incredibly accessible; just pull off into one of the parking lots right next to the Wawona Tunnel, hop out of your car, and soak in the sweeping views of the valley.

From Tunnel View, you can see famous Yosemite landmarks like El Capitan, Half Dome and Bridalveil Fall . Just down the road is a separate viewing area for Bridalveil Fall, if you’d like to take a closer look.

Yosemite Falls is yet another must-see for any visitor to Yosemite Valley. It’s worth getting an up-close look (via the Upper Yosemite Falls or Lower Yosemite Falls trails) but I was equally blown away by the views from Cook’s Meadow . At 2,424 feet, Yosemite Falls is the tallest waterfall in North America!

Located close to the meadow is the cute-as-a-button Yosemite Chapel , which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

For some of the most epic views in all of Yosemite National Park, you absolutely can’t miss Glacier Point . The views of Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall are out of this world! Like Tunnel View, this viewpoint is very accessible, with plenty of nearby parking.

Two sights that we unfortunately didn’t have time for on this trip were  Tuolumne Meadows , located in Yosemite’s high country, and  Mariposa Grove , where you can walk among ancient sequoias. Next time!

Derek and I had a long weekend to spend in Yosemite; we arrived on a Friday afternoon, had a full day on Saturday, and returned home after a bit of exploring on Sunday. With this amount of time, we were able to accomplish one long, strenuous hike and a handful of short, easy walks.

Strenuous Hikes in Yosemite

For our one big hike, we opted for the Upper Yosemite Falls Trail . It is listed as “strenuous” by the National Parks Service…and man, they aren’t lying! This hike was tough , both mentally and physically.

The Upper Yosemite Falls Trail is 7.2 roundtrip miles of nonstop switchbacks and stairs; it’s steep, rocky, and slippery at certain parts (thanks to the heavy mist that drifts down from the waterfall).

My advice? Start early, bring a ton of water and snacks, and plan to spend around 6-8 hours on the trail when all is said and done. But above all, enjoy it – it’s a truly stunning trail, and the views at the end are mesmerizing.

Other strenuous half-day and full-day hikes in Yosemite include:

• Mist Trail and John Muir Trail Loop
• Four Mile Trail
• Half Dome (lottery permit required)

Short, Easy Walks in Yosemite

There’s no better way to get acquainted with Yosemite on your first day in the park than with a quick and leisurely walk along the Cook’s Meadow Loop . This flat, scenic 1-mile trail yields amazing views of Yosemite Falls and Half Dome right from the valley floor.

The Lower Yosemite Falls Trail is another excellent, easy hike to squeeze into your Yosemite visit. This 1-mile loop will bring you to a small footbridge right at the base of the waterfall; the spray and roar of the water is seriously cool! The trail isn’t  completely flat, but it is paved and the incline is very minimal.

Bridalveil Fall Trail  (0.5 miles) and Mirror Lake Trail   (5 miles) are two more short hikes that we unfortunately didn’t have time to try out.

You can view all hikes in the Yosemite Valley here.

Planning to drive yourself around Yosemite? If so, I hope you’re an early bird rather than a night owl; if not…well, you know what they say about not shooting the messenger.

In fact, here’s what the U.S. National Park Service has to say about driving in Yosemite :

If you are planning to visit Yosemite Valley by car for the day, arrive before 9 am, after which parking is usually full….If you find a parking space, plan to leave your car there; you will not be able to find another parking spot. Use the free shuttle to get around Yosemite Valley.

I can vouch for the above statement! By noon, the traffic in Yosemite was pure madness. Traffic on the roads was bumper to bumper; in the parking lot outside our lodge, drivers were circling like hawks, rolling down their windows to ask pedestrians if they were leaving and following them to their cars.

If you manage to snag a parking spot, don’t you dare give that baby up! Hop on the completely free Yosemite Valley Shuttle to move around the park instead. The shuttle service runs all year long from 7am to 10pm, and makes stops near all overnight accommodations, shops and major viewpoints.

Derek and I actually ended up not even using the shuttle at all. From the Yosemite Valley Lodge, it was just a short walk to all of our hikes . And we didn’t touch our car once after parking on our arrival day!

I was surprised by the number of dining options available in Yosemite…especially right on the property where we were staying.  Yosemite Valley Lodge has several onsite restaurants:

• Yosemite Valley Lodge Food Court: Quick, casual meals you order from a counter
• Mountain Room: Slightly upscale dining with VERY good food!
• Mountain Room Bar: Drinks and light snacks; a nice spot to unwind after a long hike
• Yosemite Valley Lodge Gift Shop: Okay, obviously not a restaurant. But you can purchase protein bars, chips, candy, ice cream, trail mix, and even wine here!
• Starbucks: Yes, Yosemite really has its own Starbucks

I can’t tell you how nice it was not needing to leave the property in order to eat. If you’re staying at one of the other accommodations in the valley, you’ll be just as well equipped; The Ahwahnee is renowned for its gorgeous Ahwahnee Dining Room , and Curry Village offers pizza, sandwiches, burgers, salads, and alcoholic beverages.

• Plan ahead. Lodging and camping can book up months in advance; if you have your sights set on a specific type of accommodation, book as soon as you’re able. You may miss your chance if you wait!
• Become an early bird. Hiking, climbing, swimming, driving…all of these activities will become more enjoyable the earlier you get started, before the crowds accumulate.
• Avoid driving between 9am and 5pm. If you need to get around, use the free shuttle service instead. You may not find a parking spot during peak hours.
• The entry fee for 1 vehicle is $35. Cash, credit cards, debit cards, checks, and traveler’s checks are all accepted.
• Let wildlife be wild. Never feed or approach any wild animals inside the park, ESPECIALLY bears. Although they might not harm you, they may get too comfortable with humans over time, and begin venturing into populated areas more frequently. This will result in the bears being euthanized by park rangers.

• Drive responsibly.  You’ll be sharing the road with a lot of other visitors, so pay attention and obey the speed limits. We also learned that multiple bears are struck and killed by cars every year in Yosemite due to speeding 🙁
• Accept that you’ll be off the grid. We had almost zero cell service the entire time we were in the park, and the Lodge wifi was incredibly weak and spotty. I actually loved it! Why not embrace that feeling?
• Know your limits –   Yosemite is a wild place.  Just because it’s an area maintained by the National Park Service doesn’t mean you’re invincible! It’s still very possible to overexert yourself, get heat stroke, become dehydrated, sprain an ankle or knee, or slip and seriously injure yourself…or even fall to your death. Yes, it does happen to a few unlucky people each year. Know your limits, stay within them, and never ever risk your life for an Instagram shot.

Have you ever visited Yosemite National Park? Where did you stay; what did you do and see? Which U.S. National Parks are highest on your travel bucket list?

Note: This post contains several affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. My affiliate income helps offset the cost of running this blog, and allows me to keep this site free of ads and sponsored posts. So, thank you!!

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August 19, 2019 at 8:53 am

August 20, 2019 at 8:09 pm

There is a Greyhound bus from San Francisco that goes directly to Yosemite Valley Lodge. I believe there are some tour companies that offer buses to Yosemite as well, but I’m not sure what that pricing looks like.

October 10, 2019 at 6:56 am

I’m glad I bumped into your cool blog. Greetings from a fellow hiker and a blogger from Bulgaria. Recently I hiked in Algonquin Park, Canada and I was planning to continue to US but plans changed… Anyway, several months ago I watched the movie “Free Solo” in which a guy climbed El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. That’s when I felt in love with the park. So it’s definitely on my ‘to visit” list. Your guide is very useful for anyone who hasn’t been to Yosemite.

October 13, 2019 at 12:54 pm

I saw that documentary as well, so crazy! Hope you’re able to visit Yosemite one day, it’s magical 🙂 Happy travels!

January 24, 2021 at 9:01 am

Glad I bumped into your blog. It’s persuaded me to find accommodation inside the park, assuming this pandemic allows us finally to travel!

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Yosemite Itinerary: Ultimate First Time Visitor Guide (1, 2 & 3 Day Itinerary)

By: Author Mark and Kristen Morgan

Posted on Published: July 29, 2020  - Last updated: October 20, 2023

Categories North America Travel Blog

Yosemite is a treasure trove of beauty and one of the crown jewels among the very best USA National Parks . This Yosemite itinerary will help you plan the most efficient way to spend your time in this spectacular corner of California. 

The spellbinding awe of Yosemite’s landscapes, smooth domed rock formations and unspeakably majestic valley have to be seen in person to be believed.

We will show you the best way to spend 1, 2 and 3 days at Yosemite to cover day trips, weekend breaks and those fortunate to have an extra day.

No matter how long you spend here, we know you will be swept off your feet – just like the great writers and photographers who immortalized Yosemite before you.

2023 Update : You  do not  need an advanced reservation to visit Yosemite National Park this year. The only exception is weekends in February for those who want to see Horsetail Fall on fire.

Why Visit Yosemite National Park?

Yellowstone is arguably the King of US National Parks – being the first established and immensely popular – but every King needs a Queen and Yosemite National Park’s astonishing grandeur is regal enough for our vote .

The park has something for everyone, from family vacations and couples who love hiking , to expert rock climbers and pro photographers.

Beloved panoramas of sweeping valleys, waterfalls and famous granite monoliths steal the show at Yosemite. Photography enthusiasts will be blown away.

El Capitan and Half Dome are even more impressive than you imagine but simply driving through Yosemite valley is scenic enough to justify a visit.

Various stop-off points around the valley scenic loop road are perfect for the less able or young children.

Yosemite is the gift that keeps on giving. It also happens to be a hikers paradise with hundreds of epic miles of trails with awe-inspiring climaxes to spur you on.

In summary, you should visit Yosemite National Park in California because it is a natural wonder perfect for everyone!

Yosemite National Park Factfile

Address : PO Box 577, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389 Website : nps.gov/yose Phone : (209) 372-0200 Park Hours : All day, every day Entrance Fee : US$ 35 Vehicle 7 Day Pass (or free with America the Beautiful Pass ) Campgrounds : Yes, spread across the park (see campgrounds) Accommodation : Notoriously challenging, some lodging in Yosemite Valley, more in surrounding areas Backcountry camping : Backcountry Use Permit Required Top Activities : Hiking, Camping, Rock Climbing, Stargazing, photography Annual Visitors : 4.5 million

How To Get To Yosemite National Park

Flying / Closest Airports to Yosemite

Smaller –  Fresno-Yosemite International, Merced and Modesto airports are all under 3 hours drive from the National Park.

Larger –  San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Sacramento and Reno-Tahoe airports are all under 5 hours drive. More flights and of course the only options for those traveling from further afield.

• We always use and recommend searching for flights with  Skyscanner  for best prices, options and user experience.
• If you plan to hire a car and drive to Yosemite, compare prices and options with Rental Cars for best value.

Related : Save money with our 15 expert tips on finding cheap flights

Driving Entrances to Yosemite

There are a total of 5 entrances to Yosemite National Park but we will focus on the 4 with access to Yosemite Valley.

Tioga Pass Entrance (East, only open May-October, crosses Sierra Nevada);  Big Oak Flat Entrance (Northwest);  Arch Rock Entrance (Southwest) and  South Entrance (South).

Hetch Hetchy is the 5th entrance to park boundaries but it is a secluded and does not lead to the main Yosemite attractions.

• Los Angeles, Sequoia, Kings Canyon, Joshua Tree and San Diego – enter via Fresno and South Entrance
• San Jose – enter via Arch Rock entrance
• San Francisco and Oakland – enter via either Arch Rock Entrance or Big Oak Flat Entrance
• Sacramento (and North to Oregon/Washington) – enter via Big Oak Flat Entrance
• Reno, Las Vegas, Death Valley (and East to all US) – enter via Tioga Pass Entrance (May-Oct)

Read about the best things to do in  San Francisco , Los Angeles and San Diego to help plan your California road trip.

Public Transport Options to Yosemite

Amtrak offer a train/bus combination from most major cities around California. Be aware there could be a number of transfers and it will take between 5-7 hours from San Francisco.

Alternatively, you can book a greyhound to Merced and hop on a Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS).

This would pass though Mariposa, Midpines and El Portal (all places you might be forced to stay in Summer with lack of accommodation options) and enter via Arch Rock.

YARTS also runs services from Sonora (Big Oak Flat entrance), Mammoth Lakes (Tioga Pass entrance) and Fresno (South entrance). More information on YARTS .

Yosemite Valley Shuttle

Yosemite provides a free shuttle bus which loops around the valley regularly, saving on congestion and pollution.

Especially in Summer, you will need to arrive very early and if you are fortunate enough to find a parking space near Yosemite village, do not move your car until you are ready to leave!

Take the shuttle bus that you can hop on – hop off at each stop.

Do you need help planning your visit to Yosemite National Park? Our popular 50 page Yosemite Guidebook and Itinerary covers every aspect of planning a trip to Yosemite including hikes, hotels, restaurants, getting around, things to do and so much more!

Best Time To Visit Yosemite National Park

Close your eyes and point to an annual calendar … it doesn’t matter which date you choose, Yosemite is going to blow you away. Every season offers its own unique take on the park and you will have to compromise one thing for another.

Summer is renowned for being unbearably packed so we advise if possible to plan your Yosemite itinerary in Spring or Fall.

• Spring – The best time to visit for waterfalls in full flow, spring bloom, fewer crowds than Summer, will need layers for hot/cold/hiking.
• Summer – Slightly longer daylight hours, warmer weather, overcrowding problem, busy trails, traffic jams, book accommodation way in advance to stand a chance.
• Fall – Gorgeous autumnal foliage colors, barely any water flowing, comfortable temperatures and crowd levels, layers required.
• Winter – Unique time to visit Yosemite with Skiing, Ice Skating and Snowshoeing very popular. Expect fewer crowds, stunning winter wonderland scenery and cold weather.

We first visited Yosemite National Park in October at the heart of the Fall season and like many places in the US at this time of year, it was beautiful. However, we were (extremely!) disappointed the postcard perfect waterfalls were bone dry.

But hey, that’s the trade off. And you can see how pretty the autumnal foliage is in this Yosemite itinerary. Next time we will visit in Spring!

Best Things To Do In Yosemite National Park

The overwhelming majority of best things for you to do on your Yosemite itinerary are within Yosemite Valley itself. However, there are other amazing places to explore away from the valley that are far less crowded.

Here are some of the top highlights for you to consider in Yosemite:

Half Dome Hike

Half Dome is Yosemite’s iconic granite dome at the far end of the valley appearing as though a meat cleaver sliced it precisely in half.

Standing proudly at just under 5,000 feet above Yosemite Valley and dominating most nearby viewpoints, Half Dome is one of the most sought after and amazing hikes in the world.

What was once considered inaccessible can now be accessed by multiple rock climbing routes and one hiking path. This hiking path is only open between Memorial Day and Columbus Day (May-Oct) and is not for the feint hearted.

Cables are inserted each May to aid hikers with the final stretch to Half Dome summit and it is steep. Extremely steep.

Many take this hike on and have to be assisted by park rangers each year because they underestimated either its difficulty or they were afraid of heights.

Half Dome Lottery Permit

In order to summit Half Dome, you will need a permit and they are not easy to acquire. To be in with a chance, you have to enter a lottery in March for the upcoming season. Only 300 hikers are permitted to summit Half Dome per day, consisting of 225 day hikers and 75 backpackers.

You can apply for up to 6 people and you can only apply once.

If you are successful, you will become the permit holder and everyone else in your party become alternates. This is important because the permit holder must be present on the day for any of the group to summit.

If you are unsuccessful, you can take your chances by applying for a permit in the daily lottery. You can apply 2 days before the date you want to hike Half Dome.

For example, you apply on Monday to hike on Wednesday. You find out the same day if you are successful. Read NPS guidelines for Half Dome to plan your hike.

Half Dome is one of the best hikes in the world but it isn’t easy. To reach the base of Half Dome, you can either take:

• John Muir trail (longer but more gradual) at 16.4 miles roundtrip
• Mist trail at 14 miles roundtrip (shorter but steeper)
• Or a combination of both trails in a loop

Most people take between 10-12 hours total time for this round trip route to Half Dome summit.

Leave at sunrise and give yourself / your group a non negotiable turn around time. For example, if you haven’t summited by 2pm, turn around.

Check Yosemite sunrise times before your visit.

The Mist Trail / John Muir Trail Loop

Half Dome is the quintessential Yosemite hike but don’t sweat it if you can’t get a permit or you visit out of season. Yosemite has a ton of awesome alternatives and here’s something to remember:

You can’t see Half Dome from the top of Half Dome!!

Mist trail is Yosemite’s signature hike and therefore the most crowded trail in the park. You will pass two of Yosemite’s rock-star status waterfalls in Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls on this fantastic hike.

Views over Yosemite Valley and the back of Half Dome from Nevada Falls are worth the effort.

• Trail Distance : 7 miles roundtrip / 8 miles roundtrip Mist up, John Muir down loop (add on 1.5 miles roundtrip if walking from Curry village and not taking park shuttle to trailhead)
• Elevation Gain : 1,900 feet to Nevada Falls
• Trail Time : 4-6 hours if loop completed
• Trail Difficulty : Moderate / Strenuous

In peak season or weekends through Spring/Fall be sure to set off either very early or later in the afternoon to avoid the mid-morning rush.

Read our complete Yosemite Mist Trail hiking guide to learn more, featuring John Muir Loop, Vernal and Nevada Fall, maps and tips to help plan your hike.

Bridalveil Fall

Bridalveil Fall will be the very first waterfall you see as you enter Yosemite Valley. It is the iconic waterfall to the right of famous valley images taken in Spring when the fall thunders.

During Summer and Fall Bridalveil Fall is wispy and a light spray trickles from 189 meters above a viewing area.

The trail is just 0.5 miles roundtrip close to a car park which makes it perfect for young children or those with less able family members.

Yosemite Falls

The mighty Yosemite Falls is the tallest waterfall in North America and the fifth tallest in the world.

However, you will only see water here between November and July – as you can see in our photo above taken in October the falls were bone dry.

You can hike to Lower Yosemite Falls, an easy 1 mile flat round trip trail (where the photo above was taken) or hike a strenuous 6-8 hour / 7 mile roundtrip trail to Upper Yosemite Falls.

“El Cap” is one of the most impressive and iconic monolithic features in all of Yosemite.

If you hadn’t heard of it a few years back, you certainly have now thanks to nail biting television productions bringing extreme rock climbing to a wider audience.

Watch The Dawn Wall and Free Solo before visiting El Capitan.

When you arrive at the base of El Cap after a short easy hike from a nearby car park, look up and you will really appreciate what these climbers achieved!

Aside from its notoriety, El Capitan is a mightily impressive granite feature in Yosemite. It is best viewed from El Capitan Meadow, Tunnel View and Valley View (more on these later).

Sunrise is the most beautiful time to photograph El Cap as the pink rays of first light illuminate its famous wall. 

For those with more time in Yosemite who want to say they’ve walked on the summit of El Cap, you can either climb it or hike a 13.5 strenuous round trip trail beginning close to Yosemite Falls.

Views are not as impressive as at the summit of Half Dome but hey, you’re standing on top of El Cap!

Tioga Pass Road

Tioga Pass Road runs from Yosemite’s Northeast entrance (near Mammoth Lakes) to Big Oak Flat Road close to Yosemite Valley entrance.

Use this entrance if also visiting Lake Tahoe, Death Valley or the best natural northern California hot springs around Mammoth Lakes.

This road is also known as CA Highway 120 and is incredibly scenic with plenty of awesome stops along the way.

Although the majority of Yosemite’s highlights are in the valley, Tioga Pass Road – known as the High Sierra – is a fantastic place to begin/end a 3 day itinerary if you have the spare time.

Here are some recommended highlights:

• Hike to Dog Lake and Lembert Dome Summit – 4 mile roundtrip with awesome views.
• Cathedral Lakes hike – 7 mile roundtrip and one of the most popular in the area.
• Olmsted Point – Fantastic viewpoint featuring huge cracked and smooth boulders.
• Others to consider include Tenaya Lake, Gaylor Lakes and Mono Pass (but you can’t do them all!).

Note : Tioga Pass Road is only open May-October. You will not be able to cross the Sierra Nevada on this road between November and April.

Sequoia Tree Groves

Although not on the scale of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park, Yosemite has its own fair share of gigantic Sequoia Trees.

There are three main areas you can walk among Yosemite’s Sequoias:

1. Tuolumne Grove – Located at the joining of Tioga Pass Road and Big Oak Flat Road. A 2.5 mile roundtrip trail with a sharp descent to the grove (and sharp ascent back to the car park) is home to around 30 mature Sequoias.

One dead Sequoia has had a tunnel cut through its base so you can pass underneath and appreciate the circumference of these enormous trees.

2. Mariposa Grove – Located near South entrance. This is the largest and best Sequoia grove in Yosemite with over 500 mature giant Sequoias.

Hike the Big Trees Loop trail if short on time, otherwise, hike the 2 mile Grizzly Giant Loop trail. There are longer trails for those with more days.

3. Merced Grove – The smallest Sequioa grove is located further up Big Oak Flat Road on the way in or out of Yosemite. There are only 20 Giant Sequoias but it is by far the least crowded of the three groves.

You know they’re going to be massive, everything you see and read tells you that, but when you see one in person you will still be shocked!

Glacier Point

Glacier Point boasts the best panorama in all of Yosemite, arguably on par with Half Dome. However, getting to Glacier Point is not the easiest or most enjoyable.

You have to drive 16 miles up Glacier Point road – a very congested, constantly winding and at times extremely narrow road. That being said, it is without question worth the drama!

Access to this road is 23 miles from South entrance and best driven either at the beginning or end of your Yosemite itinerary.

Magnificent 270 degree views over Half Dome, Yosemite Valley and the Merced River are unbelievable. Glacier Point and nearby Washburn Point are the best places in Yosemite to watch sunset.

There are a number of hikes at nearby trailheads: 

• Sentinel Dome – 2.2 mile roundtrip, moderate and find Jeffrey Pine (one of the most photographed trees in the world).
• Taft Point and the Fissures – 2.2 mile roundtrip, easy and stunning views without guardrails found at Glacier Point.
• Four Mile Trail – You can hike to Glacier Point from Yosemite Valley if you take this strenuous 9.6 mile roundtrip trail.
• Panorama – This is an extension of Mist/John Muir trail which can be joined close to Nevada Falls and hiked to Glacier Point, but its 8.5 miles one way and strenuous.

One tip for photographers is to consider the time of your visit because huge valley covering shadows appear in the later afternoon. Astrophotography would be perfect at Glacier Point.

Yosemite Valley

Do not entirely disregard Yosemite Valley in favor of hikes and domes. There are a number of fantastic photography spots around the Merced River, often with reflections of granite monoliths or beautiful autumnal foliage.

Yosemite’s one way loop means you can pull the car over as often as you like. It is perfect for families with older or younger members to enjoy the beauty of this National Park.

Some of the notable stops include Cathedral Beach, Sentinel Beach, Swinging Bridge, Sentinel Bridge, El Capitan Bridge and Valley View (the best one).

You can see the likes of El Capitan and the Three Brothers reflect perfectly on still water in Fall.

Yosemite is one of the top places to visit in the US and you will be blown away by the sheer beauty inside Yosemite Valley. Plan to spend a lot of time here.

Best Yosemite Photography Locations

Yosemite national park is a beautiful part of America, the perfect environment for landscape and nature lovers. Photography doesn’t get much easier than inside the valley, looking up at waterfalls and towering granite domes.

We truly enjoyed taking photographs around Yosemite and will definitely be back in future for many more.

If you would like to see all of our favorites from the park in more detail, read our complete guide to Yosemite Photography next.

Tunnel View

Tunnel View is the quintessential Yosemite photograph made famous by Ansel Adams.

You will see the majestic flat face of El Capitan to the left, straight ahead at the end of the valley is Half Dome on a slight angle and Bridalveil Fall to the right.

Vistas don’t get any better than this wobbly-knees-moment anywhere in the world.

Spring is the best time to capture this iconic image at its most powerful. Bridalveil fall takes the photograph to another level and you won’t get it in Summer or Fall.

Winter is another excellent time to photograph Yosemite Valley from Tunnel View as it is shrouded in mist and a light sprinkling of snow.

There is no hiking involved, you simply park at one of the lots close to Wawona/Yosemite Tunnel just a few minutes drive from the Valley. Arrive at sunrise to avoid the crowd. Sunset will inevitably be busy, particularly in Summer.

Go to Tunnel View instead of driving to Glacier Point for stars, which would be amazing but a lot of effort.

T he Milky Way will appear over the tunnel and you can get a great night shot with the tunnel in your foreground.

Also, if you take a long exposure over Yosemite Valley with a wide angle lens, you will see white streaks on El Capitan – they are rock climbers making a night climb to El Cap’s summit. Pretty cool, right?!

Valley View

Depending on the type of photography you prefer, Valley View could beat Tunnel View when you consider how much more you can capture in the foreground.

With still water at sunrise, you can compose an image with a reflecting El Capitan glowing red. This place gets busy and there’s not a lot of room to park so plan accordingly, particularly around sunset.

Take a sturdy tripod and wade out into the river – if it is safe to do so – for enhanced composition. Maybe even walk out to a rock and get a photo of yourself in the foreground?!

Various Yosemite Valley / Merced River Rest Areas

As we mentioned earlier, these Valley floor stop offs aren’t to be missed!

You will see plenty of pro photographers at various points of the day wading through the shallow Merced river (in Fall) searching for the best river reflection shots of towering granite rocks.

Yosemite Valley Meadow

Walk out into the meadows around Yosemite Valley using wooden boardwalks. You will be able to shoot different perspectives of the valley and all of the major features within it.

When we visited in Fall, the meadows had turned yellowy-brown and straw like. Barely anyone will be around and you can get creative with your images.

Yosemite Itinerary Broken Up Into Regions

Phew! That’s a lot of information to digest. Yosemite is a big park and it helps to understand the layout.

Above is a map of Yosemite broken into 3 regions: North, Valley and South. You will find each of the 4 entrances labeled to give you an idea of the routes around Yosemite.

Note : This is separate to the Interactive Map at the end of this article on which you can zoom in / out and move around to orientate yourself with Yosemite, accommodation options and itinerary highlights.

How Many Days For The Perfect Yosemite Itinerary?

Yosemite is an incredible place, if there’s ever been a true ‘bucket list’ destination, this is it. You could easily spend weeks here and not get bored. However, that is entirely unrealistic for the majority of visitors.

Personally, we believe three days is the perfect amount of time to spend at Yosemite, considering work/life/family commitments and what you can achieve here in 3 days.

However, 2 days will allow you to hit most of the major sights and even in one day you can still get through a big slice of Yosemite pie.

Let’s get stuck into the most efficient way to visit Yosemite for each of those timeframes and make the most of your trip.

Yosemite Itinerary Assumptions

The following itineraries do not include hiking Half Dome. If you are hiking Half Dome it will take one full day but you can pick up the 2 or 3 day itineraries around the big hiking day.

One and Two Day itineraries should begin and end either at Big Flat Oak, Arch Rock or South entrances; a common loop route from San Francisco.

Three day itinerary should begin at East entrance and end at South entrance or vice versa for maximum efficiency, ideally as part of a wider US road trip .

An example route would be Las Vegas – Death Valley – Yosemite – San Francisco .

Yosemite Itinerary Map

We have created a 3 day Yosemite Itinerary map to show you how we would spend 3 days in the park.

Please note the map is based on our 3 day itinerary listed below. Our 1 and 2 day Yosemite itineraries do not feature in this map.

Click into the interactive map, zoom in / out, scroll around and click on any icon to see details of attractions on days 1 -3.  Follow the points each day from morning to evening for the most efficient way to see Yosemite.

We always find that spending just a few minutes working out where things are really helps when we arrive.

One Day In Yosemite Itinerary

Morning – Day 1

• With just one day available, you will need to arrive early and expect to leave late.
• Drive straight to Yosemite Valley and watch sunrise at Tunnel View .
• Right next to Tunnel View you can park up at Bridalveil Falls trailhead and hike the short trail.
• Drive around the one way loop and take the first left as if leaving the park. Stop at El Capitan meadow/bridge to see the impressive granite tower contrast against the shadowy foreground you are standing in.
• Continue as though you are leaving the valley and stop at Valley View for the other spectacular viewpoint in the park for photography.
• Do not leave the valley, instead drive round in a loop to join back up where you were not long ago. Frustrating to be retracing steps but necessary.
• Drive past the turn you made to El Cap and stop at Cathedral Beach or Sentinel Beach to see reflections of trees and granite towers in the Merced River.
• Continue to the Visitor Center parking lot and park up. Take the shuttle to Mist/John Muir trailhead.

Afternoon – Day 1

• Hike to Vernal Falls and if you’re quicker you can make it up to Nevada Falls . Go down on whichever trail you didn’t go up on to complete the loop.
• Drive to Lower Falls trailhead and walk the short loop to see the tallest waterfall in North America. You won’t have time to hike to Upper Falls.
• On the way out of Yosemite Valley, stop at El Capitan and walk to its base so you can appreciate the sheer scale.
• Drive through Wawona Tunnel and take Glacier Point Road all the way to the end in time for sunset over Half Dome.

2 Days In Yosemite Itinerary

M orning – Day 1

• Enter via Big Flat Oak entrance before stopping at Tuolumne Grove to see Giant Sequoias.
• Drive down into Yosemite Valley, stopping first at Bridalveil Falls, then El Capitan Meadow and Valley View.
• Loop around, stop at every turn off along the valley until you reach either your hotel, lodge or campground. From your hotel or campground, make your way to Mist Trail and hike up to Vernal Falls / Nevada Falls.

A fternoon – Day 1

• Drive the loop, stopping at Cook’s Meadow Loop and Lower Yosemite Falls.
• Walk to the base of El Capitan, stop once more at Valley View and head up to Tunnel View for amazing vistas.
• Head back towards your hotel/campground but stop to watch sunset at either Stoneman Meadow near Curry Village or Sentinal Bridge close to the visitor center. You will have an excellent view of Half Dome at both.
• If you want to stargaze or take astro shots, Summer is best and head to Sentinel Dome / Glacier Point (a long drive) Valley View, Tunnel View or Sentinel Bridge (closer).

M orning – Day 2

• Grab an early start and hike to Upper Yosemite Falls or even further to El Capitan summit. In Spring definitely hike the Falls and only the quicker hikers should continue to El Capitan on the morning of day 2.
• That will take up your entire morning!
• Alternatively, spend the morning walking around the visitor center, Ansel Adams gallery (we bought an awesome astrophotography book here!) and more time in the meadows/valley floor for amazing photography.

A fternoon – Day 2

• Drive through Wawona Tunnel (stopping again at Tunnel View – time of day impacts images) and onto Glacier Point Road. Stop at Taft Point / Sentinel Dome trailhead and choose one of them to hike. Both are great choices.
• Continue to Glacier Point before the huge shadows of late afternoon arrive for the best photographs of Half Dome. It will be busy up here!
• Leave via South entrance but stop at Mariposa Grove to hike the 2 mile Grizzly Giant loop among Giant Sequoia Trees.

Yosemite 3 Day Itinerary

• Enter via South entrance, stop at Mariposa Grove and hike among Giant Sequoias including Grizzly Giant and California Tunnel Tree.
• Head North and take Glacier Point Road all the way to the end. Enjoy sweeping views over Half Dome and the 3,000 feet drop to Yosemite Valley. The views are simply stunning.
• Hike to either Sentinel Dome or Taft Point for more astounding views.
• Drive all the way into Yosemite Valley, stopping at Tunnel View, Bridalveil Fall, El Capitan Meadow/Bridge, Cathedral Beach and Sentinel Beach.
• Check in to your hotel or campground before walking around the Visitor Center and Ansel Adams gallery.
• Sunset at Sentinel Bridge or Stoneman Meadow with great views of Half Dome and stargaze at any of the places mentioned earlier.
• Wake up early to hike up Mist trail before the crowds arrive. Vernal and Nevada Falls, Liberty Cap and the backside of Half Dome await you.
• Return via the John Muir Trail to complete the loop.
• Expect between 4-6 hours of total hiking time.

Afternoon – Day 2

• Walk the Lower Yosemite Falls loop. We saw a mountain lion cub on the loop when we visited. Fortunately we avoided the mother!
• A little further round the loop, hike to the base of El Capitan to see how frightening the prospect of free climbing it would be! More than likely there will be climbers on the wall. Take a telephoto lens or binoculars.
• Spend the remainder of the afternoon around Yosmite Valley’s many meadows, special viewpoints and river reflection spots.

Morning – Day 3

• If you’re a big hiker and don’t mind early starts – wake up and hike to Upper Yosemite Falls as early as possible. Alternatively, hike Four Mile Trail to Glacier Point.
• Both are strenuous and will take a good few hours.
• For those who prefer an easier morning / if you missed Mariposa Grove at the beginning of Day 1 – drive to Mariposa Grove at the start of Tioga Pass Road to walk among Giant Sequoias.

A fternoon – Day 3

• Before lunch both of the above would converge around Mariposa Grove (hikers wouldn’t have time for the Sequoias). Begin the drive up Tioga Pass Road.
• Stop at Olmsted Point for more awesome views including Half Dome and walk around Tuolumne Meadows.
• Choose either Cathedral Lakes trail (7 mile popular roundtrip) or Dog Lake and Lembert Dome(4 mile roundtrip with excellent views from dome summit).
• Leave via East entrance.

Note: This 3 day Yosemite itinerary can easily be done in reverse (East to South entrances)

Yosemite National Park Map of Key Locations and Accommodation

Spend a few minutes studying our interactive itinerary map of Yosemite National Park and its surrounding areas.

Click on the map, zoom in / out and move around to orientate yourself with the park.

• Hotels and Campgrounds in and around the National Park – Purple Markers
• Gas Stations (don’t run out!), Entrances, Visitor Center and Car Parks – Black Markers
• Hiking Trails, Domes, Photography Locations, Major Points of Interest – Orange Markers

Learning the local geography is the best way to save time when you actually arrive into Yosemite.

Where To Stay For Your Yosemite Itinerary

Yosemite’s beauty is revered on a global scale but its popularity means finding somewhere to sleep can be a real problem, particularly in peak season.

We’ve written an extremely popular guide to the best places to stay in Yosemite National Park which we highly recommend as a very useful planning resource.

Campgrounds are notoriously difficult to book and often hotels close to the park charge exorbitant fees.

Whether you prefer camping or hotels, the earlier you know your Yosemite itinerary dates, the better. Be as organized as humanly possible – we’re talking months in advance here! 

Our example

We visited Yosemite in October and began to look for accommodation around 1 week before but barely anything was available.

We lucked out with a spot at Upper Pines campground on 1 of our 3 nights but no other spaces at any campground opened up for our other nights.

So, we spent a night in one of the top hotels in Mammoth Lakes the first night and began Day 1 very early entering from East entrance.

Night 2 we spent in a less than perfect yurt-like cabin (yes it was very cold!) between El Portal and Incline, and night 3 was in Upper Pines campground.

From experience, we can tell you how inconvenient driving in and out of the park is each day. But it will be far cheaper.

Another trade off!

Mariposa is a great place to base yourself to save money. We stayed at Best Western Plus  Mariposa on night 4 and enjoyed a pizza at Pizza Factory after a few days of camp food!

Book in advance if you don’t want to be traveling long distances or moving every night.

Yosemite Campgrounds

If you know your dates early and are certain you want to camp, book immediately. The same goes for backpackers and Half Dome hikers. The earlier the better in all circumstances at Yosemite!

Here are the 4 campgrounds in Yosemite Valley:

• Upper Pines – Reservations required, available to book 5 months in advance, 238 sites, US$ 26 / night.
• Lower Pines – Reservations required, available to book 5 months in advance, 60 sites, US$ 26 / night.
• North Pines – Reservations required, available to book 5 months in advance, 81 sites, US$ 26 / night.
• Camp 4 – Late May to early September campsites are only available through a daily lottery one day in advance ( information here ). September to May is first-come, first-served but fills early and is only US$ 6 / night.

There are more camping options North and South of Yosemite in Wawona and Tioga Pass road. Check NPS for all Yosemite campground information .

Camping Exclusive

Would you like to camp in Yosemite National Park but can’t find any campsite availability?

We have teamed up with The Dyrt to offer our readers the chance to take advantage of our exclusive  30 day free trial of The Dyrt PRO , which can help you get reservations at sold out campgrounds in Yosemite National Park by using a fantastic new feature called Dyrt Alerts.

You can create alerts to notify you of any cancelations at campgrounds in Yosemite, which is huge. When a space becomes available, you simply book it right away to snag a near impossible campsite in Yosemite.

You can try The Dyrt PRO for free, no strings attached!

Hotels Near Yosemite

Booking hotels in and around Yosemite takes a bit of perseverance and a lot of patience. Usually, we would say being flexible gives you the best chance of grabbing a good deal.

However, unless you book a long way in advance, you might not have a choice to be flexible.

Your first step should be to take a look at  hotels and lodges in Yosemite Valley for availability and prices. These hotels and lodges are booked through the National Park Service.

Availability and prices for your selected dates may not work for you. In that case you will need to find a hotel as close to the park as possible .

Your best bet is to find any hotels that have availability for your travel dates. Here’s a complete list of all hotels near Yosemite National Park .

• Input your dates
• Search by list or better yet by map
• Find a hotel (or hotels) in the best regions of the park to suit your itinerary

Cabins / Lodges / Yurts Near Yosemite

A decent compromise between high prices in Yosemite Valley and long drives in/out from the likes of Mariposa is to stay in a yurt, lodge or tent.

There are plenty of these small lodge grounds in places like El Portal, Incline, Yosemite West, Wawona and Fish Camp.

More From Yosemite

• Yosemite Mist Trail: Fun Hike to Vernal and Nevada Falls (John Muir Loop)
• Where To Stay At Yosemite: Best Places, Hotels and Lodging Options
• Yosemite In October: 10 Important Things To Know Before You Go
• Yosemite Photography: Best Locations, Iconic Landmarks and Epic Vistas

More From California

• Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip: 23 Stops San Francisco to San Diego
• San Diego Itinerary: 9 Unmissable Things To Do In 3 Perfect Days
• San Francisco Itinerary: 15 Amazing Things To Do In 3 Awesome Days
• 10 Unmissable Things To Do In Los Angeles For First Time Visitors
• Alcatraz Tour Review: Is It Worth Your Valuable Time And Money?
• One Day In Death Valley: Perfect Day Trip Itinerary From Las Vegas

Need Help With Planning Your Trip To Yosemite National Park?

Yosemite is a spectacular landscape and a firm favorite among nature enthusiasts. But it is also one of the more challenging US national parks to plan.

We have created a 50 page guidebook and itinerary filled with key information and expert advice, example itineraries for hikers and non-hikers, and all essential things to know for both planning and when you are on site in Yosemite.

If you want to make the most of your trip to Yosemite, our guidebook is the perfect resource for you.

We hope this helped you plan your Yosemite National Park itinerary!

Have you been to Yosemite? What was your favorite part?

Please let us know if you have any questions or need any help planning your visit to Yosemite in the comments below.

Happy Travels ,

Mark and Kristen

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All Rights Reserved © Where Are Those Morgans, LLC. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, maps, graphics, etc.) in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.

Mark and Kristen Morgan are travel, hiking and photography experts. Over the last 6 years traveling full time, they have explored more than 40 countries and 30 US states.

Where Are Those Morgans has been featured in USA Today, Gestalten, Get Your Guide, CityPASS and Condé Nast Traveler along with various other publications. Read more about us .

Share this article!

Tuesday 3rd of October 2023

Hello Mark, I want to come from San francisco to yesemite for 2 days and then go to lake taho via tioga pass from October 17th to 18 ( at yosemite) and leave either on 19th or 20th to lake taho. I just need little help to let me know how to exit the park for tioga pass to Lake taho. I have seen your maps but i just needed littel help. YOU have done such a wonderful job of visiting yosemite in october...thank you Mark

Mark and Kristen Morgan

Tuesday 10th of October 2023

Hi Anjana, we're glad to hear you will be visiting Yosemite in October, the valley is beautiful and a little less crowded this time of year. You should be fine leaving Yosemite via Tioga Pass Road on October 20th (the earliest they have closed that road in the last 10 years is October 21 but it is usually November). You will exit Yosemite Valley on Big Oak Flat Road and take a right turn onto Tioga Road near Tuolumne Grove. That road will take you all the way out of the park to the northeast. Once you reach Lee Vining, take a left onto US-395 N heading for South Lake Tahoe. Have a great time!

Kyle Schuler

Tuesday 18th of April 2023

Any chance you have a similar guide for Kings Canyon/Sequoia and Joshua Tree?

Wednesday 19th of April 2023

Hi Kyle, Unfortunately we do not, but we hope to have more Guidebooks published later this year. In the meantime, feel free to reach out with any questions :)

Saturday 4th of March 2023

Great article!!

We are coming in from Monterey and staying 1 night in Mariposa... Which entrance and itinerary would be best suited to us please!

Sunday 5th of March 2023

Thanks, Vish! If you are coming in from Monterey, the best entrance to use is Arch Rock entrance on El Portal Road. Assuming you have 2 days including travel both ways we would suggest spending the first day exploring all of Yosemite Valley after arriving, staying in Mariposa, heading back into Yosemite via Oakhurst and Fish Camp so you can do the Mariposa Grove of Sequoias and Glacier Point, before maybe hiking another trail in Yosemite Valley. We would then leave via El Portal Road to head back to Monterey. It is a lot to drive in just 2 days and staying in Mariposa means you have to drive back out and in again then next morning, but you will still be able to see the top sights easily, especially if you don't take on any of the longer hikes. Let us know if you have any more questions and have a great trip!

Wednesday 27th of October 2021

Thank you so much!! This really helps to plan our 3 day trip to Yosemite! Great information and details!

Friday 29th of October 2021

Hi Shrenik, we're very happy to help and hope you have a fantastic trip to Yosemite!

Sylvia Phillips

Sunday 2nd of May 2021

Enjoyed this so much! My granddaughter is a ranger at Wawona. Her mom and I are hoping to travel to Yosemite this summer. Thank you for all your travel tips!

Monday 3rd of May 2021

Thank you Sylvia, Yosemite is a beautiful park - your granddaughter has a great job! We really hope you are able to make it this Summer and enjoy your trip!

Your One Stop Shop For Travel Planning

An epic 2 days in yosemite – perfect for first-timers.

Are you ready for an epic 2 days in Yosemite?! This itinerary is perfect for first timers because you will get to see all of the must-see sights, do a few scenic hikes, hopefully spot some wildlife, and have tons of photography opportunities!

Yosemite is by far my favorite national park to date, and I have no doubt it will be yours too! The views around every corner are absolutely breath-taking. I caught myself saying, “WOW this is so beautiful,” about 100x a day, ha!

Even though this itinerary is only for two days in Yosemite, you could easily spend more time in the park. If you do choose to stay longer, I would recommend spreading out these sights so you don’t feel as rushed OR check out the bonus ideas section at the bottom of this guide.

As always, if you have any questions about Yosemite, don’t hesitate to ask in the comments below! I am always happy to help 🙂

There’s a chance this free guide contains affiliate links. This means that I might make a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase through these links, which goes towards little Rosie’s dog treats!

Yosemite 2 Day Itinerary Overview

Vernal Falls / Nevada Falls Hike

Tunnel View Viewpoint for Sunset

Best Spots for Bear Sightings

Cooks Meadow Bike Riding

Washburn Point, Glacier Point & Taft Point

Where is Yosemite National Park?

Yosemite National Park is located in central California, just east of San Francisco. Since it is far from major airports, most people will visit a major city, rent a car and road trip to the park.

When mapping how far the airport is to Yosemite, make sure you plug Yosemite VALLEY into your maps, not Yosemite National Park. Something I didn’t realize until I arrived at the park was that Yosemite Valley (where most of the sites are) is 1.5 hours from the park entrance! This park is HUGE!

The closest major airports to Yosemite:

• Merced – 2 hours to the Valley
• Fresno – 2 hours and 15 minutes to the Valley
• Sacramento – 3.5 hours to the Valley
• Oakland – 3 hours and 45 minutes to the Valley
• San Francisco – 4 hours to the Valley
• Reno – 4.5 hours to the Valley

Whichever season you choose to visit Yosemite, I think you will have a completely different experience! I personally went in the fall months, which was amazing, but I would recommend visiting in the spring. Here’s a break down of every season, so you can make your own decision:

In the winter, you will get to see the beautiful snow capped mountains and trees, no bears in sight, and no crowds! The downside of course is that none of the hikes will be open and half of the roads in the park will also be closed. If you want to see famous viewpoints like Taft Point and Glacier Point, these are closed during the winter months.

Looking for a perfect winter destination in California? Be sure to check out my Winter in Lake Tahoe Itinerary !

Spring is by far the most popular time to visit the park. All of the lakes and rivers are full, all the waterfalls are flowing, wildflowers begin to bloom,  and the weather is beautiful! The only downside is that the crowds will be INSANE. If you want to see famous viewpoints like Taft Point and Glacier Point, you might have to wait over an hour for parking!

In the summer you will get to enjoy the lakes, most waterfalls are still flowing, and you will get beautiful hot weather. The main downside of Summer is it can get very hot when you are hiking and the crowds are still extremely busy.. meaning you will have to wait for parking at most viewpoints.

I went in the Fall and there were so many pros / cons. None of the waterfalls are flowing, which I feel is a major experience in the park! I felt like I missed out on a huge part of Yosemite, but that just means I want to go back again 🙂

Also, fire season in California is in the fall months. Unfortunately when I visited the park in fall of 2020, the air quality / visibility was not good since there was a huge fire south of the park. This could cause you to cancel your trip if the air quality reaches dangerous levels.

The upside is that you will see the entire valley turn colors, giving an entire new experience in the park. Seeing leaves falling and autumn colors fill the park is SO beautiful! Plus, there were almost no crowds in the park – which means I got front row parking to all of the view points.

Where to Stay

If you only have 2 days in Yosemite, I would highly recommend spending a little extra money to stay in the Valley. This will save you so much driving time and give you time to see as many sights as possible!

There are a few options for accommodation inside the park:

$ Camping & Curry Village 

$$ Yosemite Valley Lodge **

$$$ The Ahwahnee

**I stayed in the Yosemite Valley Lodge and loved it! They had great food options, walking distance to many sights, free bike rentals, pool, and the rooms were very clean!

How to get around Yosemite

Most likely, you are driving to the park since it is pretty remote! But most of the parking areas once you are inside the park are very small! This is mainly due to Yosemite’s conservation efforts to reduce carbon emissions inside the park. 

If you want to help Yosemite with their conservation efforts, I would opt into taking their free shuttle! This way you are reducing your own carbon footprint (especially in a place with SO much natural beauty), and you don’t have to worry about finding a parking spot at all the famous hikes / viewpoints. 

Click here for all the information about Yosemite’s free shuttle!

2 Days in Yosemite – A Perfect Itinerary!

Yosemite National Park is HUGE with endless hikes and viewpoints to explore. In this 2 day itinerary I will go over all the most breathtaking viewpoints and hikes, perfect for first-timers. If you are able to spend more time in the park, I will have a bonus section at the bottom! 🙂

Okay, let’s dive in!

In the morning, start your trip off with the most beautiful hiking area in the park. The Mist trail to Vernal falls will give you gorgeous, expansive views the entire way to the top. The hike is very steep and rated strenuous, but it isn’t too long and you will be taking a lot of picture breaks!

I would highly recommend getting a good pair of hiking boots and water resistant clothes. The hike is not only steep, but you are walking alongside a powerful waterfall. You are very likely to get a little wet!

I wore these water resistant shorts (which are WAY too cute) and here are the boots I desperately wish I had and got for my next hike.

Click here to learn how to edit like I do! 🙂

Along the mist trail, you have three options for stopping points: Base of Vernal Falls, Top of Vernal Falls, or top of Nevada Falls. My recommendation would be to do the top of Vernal Falls.

• Vernal Fall Base : 1.6 miles round trip / 1.5 hours / Rated Moderate
• Vernal Fall Top : 2.4 miles round trip / 3 hours / Rated Strenuous
• Nevada Fall Top : 5.4 miles round trip / 5.5 hours / Rated Strenuous

TIP: I would HIGHLY recommend starting the hike early in the morning! Most of the hike is directly in the sun towards the middle of the day. When I started the hike at 10am, most of the hike was in the shade still, making it way more enjoyable!

After you are done hiking, head back to your hotel to shower, grab some food, and head back out to watch the sunset at Tunnel View. This viewpoint is only a 15 minute drive from the valley, and is not a hike. You just park the car and walk to the viewing platform.

I would recommend getting their early to watch the sunset so you can guarantee yourself parking! This parking lot is not huge, so it might fill up fast during the busy seasons.

At this viewpoint, you get to see the entire Yosemite Valley including Half Dome, El Capitan, and Bridalveil Falls!

TIP: El Capitan Meadows is on the way to Tunnel View. I would definitely stop on the way to check it out!

P.S. On my trip, one of the two days in Yosemite was very smokey due to the wild fires near the park. Usually this viewpoint is a lot clearer and in the spring you will see a few waterfalls!

To start off day two, I would recommend walking to Yosemite Village to grab some coffee at Degnan’s Kitchen . The walk from Yosemite Valley Lodge to Degnan’s Kitchen is about 15 minutes and is where I saw bears every single morning .

The park ranger told us that the best time for bear sightings is early in the morning when they are hunting for breakfast. On my first morning there, I saw a mom and cub in the meadows AND a bear way up in a 50ft tree eating acorns!! For specifics, I walked to coffee between 7am-8am every morning. 🙂

VERY IMPORTANT TO NOTE: Do not feed the wildlife, yes.. not even the squirrels! It not only is bad for their ecosystem and their health, but it desensitizes them to humans and can lead to animal attacks.  I think it’s pretty common sense to not try and feed a bear.. but there’s a reason they put directions on shampoo bottles 😉

Beautiful Views on the Walk to Coffee!

TIP: Make sure you pack yourself a really good camera because Yosemite is full of picturesque spots! Here is a list of what I have in my camera bag . 🙂

After you fuel up on some coffee, grab some free bikes from Yosemite Valley Lodge or walk over to Cooks Meadow ! This area is located right in the valley and has beautiful views of Yosemite Falls.

The boardwalk wraps through the meadow, over bridges, across creeks, and gives you jaw-dropping views. Definitely bring your camera for this spot! 🙂

Make sure to follow me on Instagram for more Travel inspo ! 🙂

Now that your camera is warmed up, time to really put it to work! There are three very popular viewpoints on Glacier Road that are very close together (less than 5 minutes apart). You will need to drive over an hour up the mountain to get to the viewpoints, but plan to stay up there for the remainder of the day.

I would recommend leaving the valley roughly 3 hours before sunset to be able to see all of these viewpoints and enjoy sunset at Taft Point. 

The first stop is Washburn Point where you will get to see unobstructed views of the famous Half Dome! This is just a viewpoint (not a hike), so you will just park the car and walk out to the viewing platform. If you take my recommendation of hiking to Vernal Falls / Nevada Falls, you will get to see the areal shot of the waterfalls from this view!

Washburn Point

Next up is Glacier Point , which will give you similar views to Washburn Point, but you will feel a lot closer to Half Dome. You will also get a clearer view of Yosemite Valley!

Glacier Point is also just a viewpoint not a hike! You will just need to park the car and walk over to the viewpoint. They have tons of signs to read and a few different viewing areas.

This is an extremely popular viewpoint, so expect to wait for parking during busy months / weekends!

Glacier Point

At Glacier Point you can sit on the ledge with your legs under the railing! Dangling your feet over the edge will get the palms sweating, but overall you feel very safe because the railing is preventing you from falling off. 😉

This is the only spot in the park where I realized how deep the Yosemite Valley is! All of the massive hotels look like tiny houses from way up here.

Here are my favorite pink tennis shoes I wear everywhere ! 🙂

Last but not least is Taft Point !  This was my favorite viewpoint by far, the views were unmatched! To reach the viewpoint, you will need to park and hike a little over a mile (2.2 miles round trip). The hike is relatively easy and STUNNING! You will walk through mossy forest until you reach the edge of the granite cliff.

Once you get out of the forest area, you will begin to see the edge of the mountain peaking down to the valley. The first viewpoint you will see a metal railing that looks out over the valley and Taft Point (a sharp rock cut out directly in front of the viewing area).

To stand on actual Taft Point, you will need to go back down the mountain a little bit and walk towards the point. On busy days, you may need to wait in a line to get your photo at Taft Point!

TIP: Bring a blanket and a sandwich to enjoy your lunch with the BEST view! And DO NOT FORGET.. always pack out what you pack in! We saw so much trash on the trails, which is always so heart breaking!

Click here to check out my one-click photo filters!

To end your last night in Yosemite, be sure to grab some hot cocoa and head outside to do some stargazing! The stars are incredible in the park since it is so far from major cities and there is hardly any lights inside the park. Especially being born and raised in Las Vegas (where the light pollution is one of the worst in the world), I was SO impressed!!

Bonus Ideas

• Tuolumne Grove Trail
• Yosemite Falls Hike
• Mirror Lake
• Sequoia National Park
• Tenaya Lake
• El Capitan Meadow

Be sure to follow me along on Instagram!

Okay, that’s a wrap! These 2 days in Yosemite are PACKED with the must-see sights, beautiful hikes, bear sighting tips, and tons of photography locations. If you end up having more time in Yosemite, I would either spread these sights out so it’s more relaxing or add on a few sights from my bonus ideas list!

Yosemite was truly the most beautiful national park I’ve been to and definitely worth the long travel time to get there. You get towering mountains, forest trails, waterfalls, lakes, rivers, wildlife viewing, and star gazing all in one little corner of the world!

Looking for more California itineraries? I think you would love these! 🙂

• One Day in Death Valley National Park
• A PERFECT Lake Tahoe Itinerary – Winter Guide!
• California Road Trip – 7 Days along PCH
• Big Sur Road Trip Itinerary
• Quick Guide to Monterey
• Day trip to Santa Barbara!
• Wine Bar Hopping and Brewery Hopping in Sacramento
• 27 Things to do in Buena Park – Including Knott’s Berry Farm!

Thanks so much for stopping by! 🙂

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[…] TIP: If you have more time and want to see more of California, be sure to check out my 7 day California itinerary for ideas on things to do from San Francisco to Los Angeles! Or if you want to see both the mountains and the coastline, you can head inland to spend Two Days in Yosemite National Park! […]

[…] 2 Days in Yosemite National Park […]

[…] I traveled there in October 2020 (click here to read my full itinerary), I was in complete awe. I have always dreamed of visiting this incredible location, and it lived […]

[…] Yosemite National Park is incredible. Here is my Two Day Yosemite Itinerary if you are planning a trip out there after visiting the springs. You can also visit Mammoth Lakes […]

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[…] Psst.. Like adventurous travel with tons of hiking? Yosemite National Park is in California and is amazing!! Click here to read my 2 Days in Yosemite Itinerary! […]

Question about Day 1: You did Vernal and Nevada Falls, then the sunset at Tunnel View, and that’s it? Question about Day 2: These three are not accessible in 2022 due to the closure of Glacier Pt Road. Can you suggest a 2022 Day 2? Thank you!!

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Yosemite National Park is one of America’s most revered wilderness sanctuaries. From the soaring symphony of Yosemite Valley to the giant sequoias of Mariposa Grove, awesome scenic overlooks, and waterfalls everywhere, the sheer beauty of the Park can be as staggering as its size: 1,200 square miles of breathtaking natural terrain.

Our Yosemite First-Timer itinerary packages the Park’s must-see places and areas for newcomers to this majestic realm.  The order of days can be shuffled based on your preferences and external factors such as weather – once you’re in Yosemite Mariposa County, most everything is a short drive away.

Day 1:  Yosemite Valley & Glacier point

The best place to kick off your first tour: Yosemite Valley, the heart of the Park.  The waterfalls, granite cliffs, and expansive meadows of Yosemite Valley endow Yosemite National Park with worldwide acclaim.  Prepare to be awestruck!

Enter the Valley via the Wawona Tunnel and take a moment to stop at Tunnel View , where El Capitan, Half Dome, Clouds’ Rest, and Bridalveil Fall fill the horizon.  (And chalk up a bonus badge: you just drove through the longest highway tunnel in California.)

Now it’s time to feel the cooling mist of one of Yosemite’s signature attractions: waterfalls. Drop into the Valley and take a short morning hike to the base of Bridalveil Fall , one of the most accessible big falls in Yosemite.  This is the grand waterfall that you see from Tunnel View, and it’s even more dramatic up close. The new viewing platform, parking lot, and visitor amenities make this a must-see.

Continue on Southside Drive and loop around the valley to Northside Drive for another short hike with an enormous payoff: Lower Yosemite Fall .  Pro challenge: if you’re all in for getting to the top of North America’s tallest waterfall, the 7.5-mile round trip to Upper Yosemite Falls is a full-day trail experience that climbs nearly 2,500 vertical feet up the waterfall’s plummeting path with oohs and aahs all along the way.

Make yourself a Yosemite insider by taking the Valley Loop Trail , a hidden-in-plain-sight path that hugs the base of Yosemite Valley’s granite walls for 13 miles.  Many sections of the relatively hidden trail are flat-out breathtaking (not to mention, literally flat) – the Pohono Bridge to Cathedral Rocks is one stretch not to miss. 

After a morning of Valley majesty, break for lunch at one of the cafes and restaurants in Curry Village.  The afternoon holds more aquatic and geologic splendor with hiking options including the famous Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls and the classic Mirror Lake Trail for up-close Half Dome views.

If your daily step count is eclipsed, or the weather’s better suited for an afternoon indoors, check out the Ansel Adams Gallery , a treasure box of the famed photographer’s iconic Yosemite works (as well as one of the best gift shops in the Park). 

After this epic full-day intro to Yosemite National Park, you’ll be ready to repair to your hotel, campsite, or vacation rental for refreshment, dinner, and a good night’s sleep!

Expand your horizon by exploring Yosemite’s vast panorama of soaring peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and wildflower-dotted meadows.

Set at the end of 16-mile Glacier Point Road, this serpentine two-lane highway follows the south rim of the Valley before arriving at the climactic Glacier Point overlook.  Your reward: panoramic views of Half Dome, El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, and more from the edge of the world with Yosemite Valley some 3,200 feet straight down.

The perfect complement to the road trip: pull over and take the 2.2-mile round trip hike to Sentinel Dome – look for the Sentinel Dome/Taft Point trailhead along Glacier Point Road. Leg-stretching never felt (or looked) so good as from the top of the 8,127-ft. granite bulb of Sentinel Dome.

Day 2: Wawona and Mariposa Grove

Yosemite Valley earns every prop, but the rest of this all-terrain Park is filled with places to see and things to do.  Day 2 brings us to Southern Yosemite , which will fill your vacation dance card with unforgettable moments and elevate your status as a true Yosemite explorer. 

Located five miles from Yosemite National Park’s South Entrance and set in a forested hollow at 4,000 feet (similar to Yosemite Valley), Wawona inspires a peaceful, easy feeling. Here, you can hike, swim, play golf , and immerse into Yosemite history .  It’s no wonder the Southern Sierra Miwuk made this one of their favorite waystations to and from Yosemite Valley.

Stay in throwback mode and have lunch at the Wawona Hotel Dining Room (open March through November and over the Christmas holiday weeks).  It’s a true Yosemite treasure with hearty fare served in a Victorian-era dining room with authentic ambiance.  The Wawona Hotel is a historic gem and leading lodging venue in Southern Yosemite.

Near Wawona and next to Yosemite’s South Gate is one of Yosemite’s most awe-inspiring attractions: the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias .  Here you will discover more than 500 mature giant sequoia trees reaching skyward, some more than 3,000 years old and among the oldest living things on Earth. Check in to the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza for with maps, info, and a store with Yosemite National Park souvenirs and merch.

As the sun sets on a perfect second act, Southern Yosemite dining options include the aforementioned Wawona Hotel Dining Room and the assortment of restaurants at Tenaya at Yosemite , just a few miles down Highway 41.  Tenaya is also one of the Sierra Nevada’s top family resorts and an excellent lodging choice.

Day 3: Tioga Road

Tioga Road (Highway 120) offers jaw-dropping vistas of Northern Yosemite .  There’s Olmsted Point , a large scenic overlook offering a distinct perspective to Yosemite Valley below, framing the backside of Half Dome.  Take the opportunity to wander around and over the erratic boulders left here from the glacial era.

Tenaya Lake is an idyllic Sierra bowl with swimming, kayaking, and picnicking all in play. Tenaya’s postcard-pretty, clear cerulean water practically begs you to wade in. This is the largest lake in Yosemite National Park.

Continue to Tuolumne Meadows for one of the Sierra’s largest subalpine meadows and amenities like a Visitor Center, lodge, and café.  (Please note, all facilities at Tuolumne Meadows are open only when Tioga Road is open.)

Ready to bag a Yosemite peak?  Lembert Dome is a short path to big fun along Tioga Road.  From the top of the dome, you’ll take in all of Tuolumne Meadows and then some.  Look for the trailhead just past Tuolumne Meadows.

Try to time your return to lodging by late afternoon to catch the sunset bouncing off the granite peaks that line Tioga Road.  It’s the perfect way to close a day touring Yosemite’s high country.

(Driving note: Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road are subject to seasonal closures.  Check current road conditions here .)

Can’t Miss Gateway Gems

Three days is a fine amount of time to cover most of the Park’s greatest hits, and this is your roadmap to doing that.  Before and after, there are a few places we suggest you stop for a beat. Yosemite’s gateway towns of Mariposa and Coulterville are laced with California history, small-town swagger, hip independent merchants, and great dining.

Astride the crossroads of Highways 49 and 140, Mariposa has Gold Rush grit running through it.  It’s a jewel box lined with antique and boutique shopping , foodie-fired restaurants , tasting rooms and convivial bars , and art galleries (also where to find the greatest selection of vacation accommodations in Yosemite Mariposa County).

Just to the east on the John Muir Highway (132) at Coulterville , Bay Area-bound travelers can pull over for a perfect getaway lunch at the Coulter Café and soak in some of this tiny but mighty town’s bohemian vibes.  As you take the self-guided walking tour, pop into an antique, consignment, or general mercantile shop, many housed in original structures dating to the mid-1800s.    

Coming & Going

Yosemite is just a scenic half-day drive from the San Francisco Bay Area and greater Los Angeles with many modes of transportation on offer.  Most travelers to Yosemite Mariposa County arrive on one of three California state highways: Highway 41 from the south, and Highways 120 and 140 from the northeast.  

Fresno International Airport (FAT) is the closest to Yosemite; additional California international gateway airports are less than a half day’s drive away.  Amtrak, America’s national rail system, also serves Yosemite from most major California cities. Finally, the Park region offers an excellent network of public transportation : YARTS to the Park, and the Yosemite Shuttles once you’re here.

The Ultimate Guide for First-Timers

With just a little planning and preparation, you can make the most of your time and create indelible Yosemite memories! The Yosemite Vacation Planner will get you started with our exclusive insider tips and ideas on things to do in Yosemite Mariposa County. Download the guide to your digital device to keep it handy throughout your visit.

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Yosemite Travel Guide: Info & Tips for Your First Visit

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: March 15, 2023

Yosemite National Park is among the most famous and most visited national parks in America . It’s also one of the oldest, having been established in 1890. Today, 4-5 million people visit its natural wonders each year, with the majority of visitors coming in the summer months.

But because the park is so popular and also because a lot depends on the season when you visit Yosemite, it’s important to plan your trip well. That way you know what to expect, can prepare in advance, and make the most of your Yosemite vacation.

This insider’s guide to Yosemite and travel tips will help you do just that! It covers all the essential information for your visit to Yosemite : when to go, what to see and do, where to stay, how to get around, best hikes, best viewpoints, and so much more. Find out!

Good to know: This Yosemite travel guide was written by our guest writer Mimi McFadden of The Atlas Heart , a California travel website that helps people explore the best of the Golden State through local insight, road trip itineraries, and bucket list guides. Mimi lives in California and has been visiting Yosemite since the age of five. In this guide, she shares her experience-based tips and insider advice for your first trip to Yosemite. Take a look!

Centered around a valley in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Yosemite contains many distinct areas and habitats. From pine forests to Giant Sequoia groves, you can spend many weeks here and still not experience all that Yosemite has to offer…

However, if you only have a few days in Yosemite, you’ll have to make choices about what to see, or where to stay. This is where this guide comes in!

Whether you’re doing a weekend trip from the Bay Area or a longer stint from further afar, these Yosemite tips will help you get the most out of your time and give you all of the practical info you might need to know before visiting. Take a look!

Best Time to Visit Yosemite

There’s not a “best time” to visit Yosemite, per se, because there’s so much to do at the park year-round. However, since there are some activities that you can only do at certain times of the year, the best time to visit Yosemite really depends on what type of trip you’re looking for. 

The dry summer months have the best conditions for hiking and climbing. It’s nice and warm, all the roads are open, and you can explore the park to the fullest. Summer is also a great time to see wildflowers and wildlife in Yosemite. This is, however, also the peak season with big crowds, busy traffic, and higher accommodation prices.

Late spring is when Yosemite waterfalls are at their best with peak snowmelt. In this season, you may also get to see some wildflowers at lower elevations already.

Birdwatchers will want to plan for a spring or fall trip.

Early fall is also good for hiking as most of the park remains accessible in September and usually through October, sometimes even the beginning of November. The shoulder season is also much less busy than the summer months and can still be perfectly suitable for exploring most areas of Yosemite. Here you can find some information about visiting Yosemite in November .

If you love snowy landscapes, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing, Yosemite is great in winter as well. Yosemite is also very popular in February when people come to see the famous natural phenomenon, Yosemite Firefall . You can read about it in our guide to the best National Parks to visit in February .

Below, we’ll go deeper into what low and high seasons have to offer. That way, you’ll get a better idea of what time of the year might be the best to visit Yosemite for you . But first, here is some info and tips for getting to and around Yosemite National Park.

Getting Around Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is so huge that – unless you visit with an organized tour – the best way to visit is by car . Highway 120 is the main thoroughfare that runs through the park. A quick exit off of it will take you into Yosemite Valley, where most of the campgrounds and amenities are. The Valley also has an extensive network of small roads that lead to hiking trails and lookoff points. 

However, if you don’t have a car, you can take public transport to the park and use shuttle services to get around. These can become crowded during the summer, but the roads are also infamous for traffic jams during the high season. So shuttles can be a good alternative for getting around the park. 

There are several shuttle routes in various parts of Yellowstone, and some of them run the whole year round. Most shuttles are free and don’t require any advance planning, but there are also a few that go between different areas. They require advance reservations and have a fee. Here you can find all the information about Yosemite shuttles.

Good to know: Certain roads in Yosemite close down in the winter because of dangerous conditions. Tioga Road, which leads to many of the park’s more remote areas, is only open seasonally once the snow has melted. It usually opens in late May or early June and closes in November. The same counts for Glacier Point Road and a few others.

PRO TIP: When planning a trip to Yosemite, always double-check which roads are open on the official NPS website . This is essential no matter what time of the year you’re visiting! In spring, late fall, and in winter, there might be road closures due to snow, and in summer the roads might get closed for road works.

Yosemite Entrance Fee

Yosemite National Park entrance fee is 35 USD per private vehicle and you can buy it as you enter the park. This pass is valid for everyone in your car for 7 consecutive days and you can enter and leave the park as many times as you want during that time.

Yosemite NP also has an annual pass that costs 70 USD.

However, if you are visiting several National Parks over the course of 12 months, it’s better to get an  annual National Parks Pass . It’s called  America the Beautiful Pass  and costs just 80 USD for the whole family traveling in the same vehicle. It’s valid in all National Parks and 2,000 federal recreation sites across the United States for one year from the month of purchase.

Yosemite Tours

If you feel overwhelmed trying to plan a trip to Yosemite, or if you want to have a local guide who knows the place well, then you can also visit Yosemite with an organized tour.

The most popular are the Yosemite tours from San Francisco . There are day tours available that cover all the ‘musts’ (this is the most popular day tour ). But there are also 2-day tours that allow you to see more of the park in a more relaxing way (accommodation is included). If you like to camp, take a look at this popular 3-day tour .

If you can get closer to the national park, you can stay in El Portal and take day tours from there . And there’s also a day tour from Lake Tahoe .

Best Things to Do in Yosemite in Summer (May to September)

If you’re visiting Yosemite during the high season, these are some of the best activities to consider: take in the waterfalls, visit the best viewpoints, see Giant Sequoias, go biking, hiking, or rock climbing. In summer, there are also ranger-led tours, water activities, camping, fishing, and so much more.

Below, are some of the best things to do when visiting Yosemite for the first time:

Yosemite Waterfalls

In a park full of famous sights, the Yosemite waterfalls are one of the main highlights. Take Yosemite Falls , for instance. When water flows over its edge, it falls for an astounding 2,425 feet (739 m). 

Besides Yosemite Falls, other waterfalls to visit at the park during this time of the year include Sentinel Falls , Ribbon Fall , Horsetail Fall , Bridalveil Fall , Nevada Fall , Wapama Falls , Illilouette Fall , Vernal Falls , and Chilnualna Falls . 

Good to know: The volume of water of the falls around Yosemite changes throughout the year. So the falls will never be the same. They’re at their heaviest and most impressive during the late spring (especially May), fed by rains and melting snow.

Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias 

In another corner of Yosemite, a visit to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is a must. This area is home to over 500 of the oldest and rarest trees in North America.

The species can grow to over 250 feet (76 m) tall and 30 feet (9 m) in diameter. These are some of the most impressive trees in the world and many people travel to Yosemite just to see them.

There are various hiking trails for all difficulty levels here. There is a short and easy wheelchair-accessible Big Trees Loop Trail, but also moderate hikes that take 1-2 hours and more strenuous trails that take 4-6 hours to complete. In summer, you can also bike through this area, and in winter, it’s open for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing.

The park staff dedicates themselves to providing a liveable environment for these endangered trees, so visiting Mariposa grove comes with a number of restrictions. Neither horses nor bikes are allowed off the paths and pets aren’t allowed at all. Also, you should know that the parking here usually fills up in the morning already, so be sure to get here early.

TIP: Because of the restricted access, it’s essential to check current conditions and the best way to visit this area before you go. Here , you can find all the information for visiting Mariposa Grove.

Scenic Roads and Viewpoints

Yosemite National Park has some stunning scenic drives . So even if you are only visiting the park for a day or two, you can still see some amazing scenery.

One of the most scenic roads in Yosemite is Tioga Road , from Crane Flat to Tioga Pass. This 46-mile (62 km) drive is a must if visiting Yosemite in summer! However, it’s closed in winter.

Also the road through Yosemite Valley is a must. It’s accessible the whole year-round and offers some of the best views over Yosemite’s famous cliffs and waterfalls.

In summer, make sure to take a scenic drive up to Glacier Point.

TIP: You can find more information about this and other must-see viewpoints in Yosemite further below (see the ‘ best viewpoints ‘ section).

One of the best ways to explore Yosemite (and also escape the crowds) is to go hiking . With over 800 miles of hiking trails for all difficulty levels, it’s easy to find a hike that suits your interests and abilities.

You can find a complete overview of all Yosemite hikes on the NPS website . Alternatively, see our hand-picked selection of 3 top hikes under the “ best hikes ” section further below.

Rock Climbing 

Similar to Pinnacles National Park and Joshua Tree National Park, Yosemite is a great place for rock climbing in California. Some of the world’s most famous rock faces are in Yosemite Valley, the most prominent of which is El Capitan . 

This sheer granite cliff stretches up over 3,300 feet (1,005 m) and has become a rite of passage for anyone eager to become a great climber. The two other famous faces to climb in the Valley are called Half Dome and Sentinel . 

Otherwise, a lesser-known group of rock climbing spots lies above the Tuolumne Meadows . These areas are quite different because they are higher up in terms of elevation. In the Tuolumne Meadows, you can climb alongside pine trees on your way to more mountainous peaks compared to the sheer cliffs of Yosemite Valley.

And don’t worry, just because you want to go climbing in Yosemite doesn’t mean anyone expects you to take on El Capitan. There’s a host of beginner climbing activities to try out too, but it’s probably best to look for a local guide to accompany you, especially if you are new to the area.

Best Things to Do in Yosemite in Low Season

Although a less popular time of year to visit Yosemite, the winter months and early spring can be beautiful (although chilly) and still have a lot to offer.

Here are some of the best things to do if traveling to Yosemite in the lower season:

Cross Country Skiing or Snowshoeing 

There are miles and miles of snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trails in Yosemite. In winter, it’s a top-class Nordic skiing terrain.

One of the best trails is the route up to the top of Glacier Point, a famous outlook over the Valley that’s only reachable by ski or snowshoe during the winter months.

You can rent equipment from the Badger Pass Ski Area and ski the 10.5-mile route in about five hours. The Ski Hut on Glacier Point provides food and lodging, in case you don’t want to return on the same day. 

Crane Flat is another popular area for cross-country skiing.

Ice Skating Below Half Dome

Every winter, park staff set up a beautiful ice skating rink just below the gigantic Half Dome. This must be one of the most scenic places to skate in the world!

The ice skating rink is near a campsite called Curry Village, which is easily accessible by car during the winter months. You’ll have to buy tickets at the campsite and you can also rent skates there as well.

Other Winter Activities

In addition, there are many other great things to do in Yosemite in winter. For some of the best outdoor activities, head to Badger Pass. There, you can go downhill skiing, snowboarding, but also sledding and tubing. You can rent the equipment inside the park, and you can also take ski lessons.

You can also simply go for a walk in Yosemite Valley. Admire the scenery, visit Yosemite Valley Chapel, enjoy the views along the Merced River, etc.

There are far too many hiking trails in Yosemite to mention in one go here. But below you can see a few of the best hikes that we recommend if you are visiting Yosemite for the first time.

Good to know: Most hikes in Yosemite are only possible from late- May/ June to September/October. However, there are some hikes at lower elevations (Yosemite Valley, Wawona, Hetch Hetchy) that might be snow-free in April or early May as well.

Here are our recommended best hikes for all difficulty levels :

Sentinel Dome & Taft Point

Sentinel Dome – EASY: 2 miles – 400 ft elevation gain (3.2 km – 120 m) Taft Point – EASY: 2 miles – 250 ft elevation gain (3.2 km – 76m) Sentinel Dome & Taft Point loop – MEDIUM: 5 miles – 1,120 ft elevation gain (8.2 km – 342 m)

Sentinel Dome Trail is a leisurely two-mile hike that starts off from Glacier Point Road. The trail takes you up to Sentinel Dome’s peak, from which you can see Yosemite Valley and waterfalls from a panoramic perspective. 

Alternatively, you can walk in the other direction, to Taft Point . This hike is also about 2 miles and is even easier. Or, you can make a loop and combine Sentinel Dome and Taft Point hike in one.

Since you drive most of the way up to get to the trailhead, there’s not that much elevation change on the trails. So these hikes are a good option for those who are looking for an easy-medium hike in Yosemite that still offers plenty of amazing views.

These are also good trails to start with if it’s your first day in Yosemite. The effects of higher elevation are no joke and it’s good to give yourself a day to adjust and ease into it. 

Yosemite Falls Trail 

MODERATE: 7.2 miles, 2,700 ft elevation gain (11.5 km, 820 m elevation gain)

There are a number of options for hiking up and around Yosemite Falls. The best is the main trail, called, as you’d expect, Yosemite Falls Trail .

The 7.2-mile loop is an ideal choice for moderate hikers, with a little bit of a challenge in the 2,700-foot ascent you make to reach the top of the falls. It takes most people between 6 to 8 hours. 

Easier alternative: Otherwise, if you still want to hike around the falls but don’t want to work your calves as much, the 2-mile hike to Colombia Rock is a less strenuous option. And there’s only 1,000 ft elevation gain. You don’t make it to the top of the falls on this hike, but you still get a great view. 

Half Dome Hike

STRENUOUS: 14 miles, 4,800 ft elevation gain (22.5km, 1,463 m elevation gain).

The Half Dome hike is a magnet for serious and experienced hikers that really want to test themselves in Yosemite. It’s also become a rite of passage to hike at least once for those who live in California or visit Yosemite often. 

The round trip hike is a whopping 14 miles, which some can do in 10-12 hours. The hike’s final stage is the climb up the backside of Half Dome, which is so steep that you need to follow the cables the park installs to make it possible. 

This hike is so popular these days that you need a permit to make the final climb up the dome on the cables. Only 300 hikers a day are allowed up, so there’s a lottery system to decide who gets to go all the way. 

Best Viewpoints

The Sierra Mountains give Yosemite an abundance of vistas. You have to experience them yourself to really understand how beautiful Yosemite is as pictures just don’t do it justice.

Here are three of the best viewpoints not to miss on your first trip to Yosemite:

Tunnel View

Tunnel View lies at the Western Entrance of Yosemite Valley, looking down over the entire Valley with the towering rock faces on either side. The viewpoint gets its name because it’s right at the exit of the Wawona Tunnel and it’s one of the first sights of the Valley that many visitors will see.

TIP: Just nearby, a bit down the road, there’s a nice waterfall, Bridalveil Falls . It’s just a short hike (or you can see the waterfall from further away too) and it’s a nice stop in this area.

Glacier Point

Glacier Point is another viewpoint from which you can take in the Yosemite Valley. But this time, you’ll be looking downwards rather than up. From Glacier Point, you can see Yosemite Falls from a great vantage point, as well as the famous Half Dome rock formation. 

In high season, you can drive up here by car. So if visiting during the summer, spring, and fall, the viewpoint is just an easy 0.6-mile hike from the parking area. 

You can also visit Glacier Point in the winter. But because the roads leading up to the viewpoint close down for the season, it’s more challenging to get here. You’ll need to cross country ski or snowshoe to get there in the colder months.

Good to know: Glacier Point Road will be closed in 2022 and will only be reachable via several (strenuous) hikes. More info here .

Olmsted Point

Olmsted Point is one of the nicest viewpoints along Tioga Road, in the eastern side of Yosemite. It’s a bit further from Yosemite Valley, over 2 hours away by car, but the view is well worth the journey.

You can access the viewpoint by driving along Tioga Road, which itself is a nearly continuous string of viewpoints. Even after all that driving, you can still see Half-Dome, albeit from a more unique perspective. 

Good to know: Tioga Road closes in the winter. And since it’s much more remote than Glacier Point, skiing there isn’t really feasible for most. So this viewpoint is best visited in the summer and in the fall. 

Where to Stay

Yosemite has a wide array of options for overnight stays, stretching from little campsites way off the beaten path to luxury hotels with all the amenities. The wealth of choices makes both a rugged wilderness adventure and a relaxing spa experience possible within the park’s limits or just nearby.

Yosemite Lodging 

Yosemite Village (Yosemite Valley) is the best place to stay in Yosemite. However, accommodation options here are limited and usually sold out months in advance.

Ahwahnee Hotel , briefly known as the Majestic Yosemite Hotel, is a grand hotel with a long history. It first opened in 1927 and has hosted high-profile guests, including several US Presidents (such as Dwight Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, and Ronald Reagan) and even Queen Elizabeth. 

As you would expect, the hotel doesn’t lack luxury despite its rural location. There are heated pools, fine dining establishments, and valet service. All rooms come with standard amenities like flat-screen TVs, refrigerators, and coffee makers. Finally, there’s a gift shop that focuses on the work of local artists.

Yosemite Valley Lodge is another great option in the heart of Yosemite Valley. It’s more affordable, has good facilities, and a perfect location.

Another good place to stay, but much further away is Wavona . Location-wise, the Wawona is a little further from Yosemite Valley, about 27 miles away. But that might suit some people who want to explore less crowded areas of the park.

Wawona Hotel is a more modest home base for a trip to Yosemite than the Ahwahnee, but it’s also a historic institution. It’s actually older than the former hotel, first opened in 1856! The original whitewashed Victorian buildings are still standing and the decoration is still appropriate to that time period. The hotel also has some unique features, like live piano music in the bar, expansive verandas surrounding the buildings, and even a golf course.

Compare Hotels & Short-term Rentals near Yosemite National Park

Accommodation in Yosemite Valley is limited and quite expensive. The best alternative place to stay nearby is Yosemite West , just at the park border.

Here you can find the best choice of hotels, apartments, cabins, and B&Bs in Yosemite West . There are also a few hotels at El Portal .

Alternatively, using the map below, you can compare hotels, cabins, and short-term rental accommodations in Yosemite West . Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see what’s available for your stay. Check it out!

Campsites are scattered throughout Yosemite’s sprawling area and can offer quite different experiences. Most campsites have to be reserved ahead of time, with the most popular spots filling up months in advance. 

You can make a reservation through the National Park Service’s online portal . For many campsites, you can make a reservation up to five months in advance. Indeed, competition for spots is so fierce that some would say it’s a necessity to book that far ahead.

North Pines Campground and Upper Pines Campground are among the most popular campsites for RVs or trailers since there’s ample space to accommodate larger vehicles. These campsites also have washrooms, electricity, and other conveniences. Furthermore, they are located very close to must-see landmarks like Yosemite Falls and Mirror Lake. 

Another campsite near North Pines and Upper Pines is Lower Pines Campsite . Lower Pines’ distinctive feature is that it’s located along the Merced River, granting it a slightly different vibe that comes with the sound of water nearby. It’s somewhat smaller than the other two campsites but still open to RVs and trailers. One thing to note is that Lower Pines sometimes closes as a result of high water levels, so check conditions before you leave.  

A famous tent-only campsite is known as Camp 4 . It’s located close to many of Yosemite’s best climbing spots. Camp 4 became an important nexus for California rock climbers during the 1960s and 70s when professionals would camp out there for the entire season. Indeed, Camp 4 has made it onto the National Register of Historic Places for its importance to climbing culture.

For most of the year, you can’t reserve Camp 4. Instead, it’s filled each day by walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Finally, the High Sierra Camps are actually a group of five campsites spread throughout the park. They are called Tuolumne Meadows, Glen Aulin, May Lake, Sunrise, Merced Lake, and Vogelsang. You can only get to these campsites by hiking in, and the trails to reach them vary in difficulty. For example, getting to Vogelsang takes 5-6 hours of very strenuous hiking, so you’ll want to have light backpacking gear to get set up camp.  

Once you make it to one of the High Sierra Camps, you’ll be grateful to find some amenities. After the long hike, the showers might be the most welcome. 

Where to Eat

As a national park that manages to include luxury within the ruggedness of nature, Yosemite is full of dining options that range from fine to threadbare. 

The Ahwahnee Dining Room offers a fine dining experience that can make you forget how far from civilization you are. There’s a dress code for dinners, but breakfast and lunch are casual, so you can show up in your hiking gear. 

Another good option is the Curry Village Pizza Deck , which might be more to the taste of the climbers and hikers who visit the park. Plus, there’s something that’s satisfying about relaxing outdoors with a pizza and a beer after a long hike. 

Should You Pack a Picnic for During the Day?

That depends on your plans, of course. There are plenty of food options around the park, especially near Yosemite Valley. But if you are going on a longer hike or to more remote areas of the park, you’ll want to bring food along.

Luckily, the views along Yosemite’s trails often provide beautiful backdrops for a memorable picnic. 

Good to know: One thing to note is that Yosemite is a bear country. Normally, you won’t need to bring bear sprays along for the popular day hikes. But if you’re backpacking, you’ll definitely need to store your food securely and have bear canisters with you.  

What to Know About the Wildlife in Yosemite

There are a lot of native Californian species that call Yosemite home. Many hikers have been lucky enough to catch a glimpse of one or more of them out in the woods. Bobcats and coyotes are two of the predators in the park’s ecosystem. If you climb high enough into the mountains, you might also see some Sierra Nevada Bighorn Sheep.

However, the most well-known inhabitants of Yosemite might be the approximately 300 to 500 black bears. Black bears aren’t usually dangerous if given space, but the best advice is to always watch out for those with cubs.

As a rule of thumb, avoid disrupting the wildlife as much as possible ! Also, be sure to pick up after yourself so everyone can enjoy the beauty of Yosemite for years to come.

Yosemite Travel Tips

Here are some additional tips for your visit to Yosemite National Park:

• Book in advance! Yosemite is a very popular national park, so if you are visiting in summer, it’s essential to plan your Yosemite vacation ahead and book your accommodations in advance. For a few years, they also worked with a reservation system during the high season. While it’s no longer required at the moment of the latest update, it’s essential to check the official NPS website for up-to-date info.
• Prepare a good itinerary. If you want to make the most of your stay and see all the main landmarks of Yosemite in a short time, it’s essential to have a plan. It’s always useful to take a look at the map and driving distances when preparing an itinerary. Also, keep in mind that many places will be very busy and traffic jams are common.
• Start early! The best way to see the most popular places in Yosemite is by beating the crowds and getting there as early as possible. Of course, you can’t visit every place first thing in the morning but go to the most popular ones first. For example, the above-mentioned Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is best visited as early as possible before the car parking fills up.
• Stay up late. Evening hours are also great for visiting some of the most popular landmarks. Most day tourists leave by 6 PM, so take advantage of that if you are staying nearby. Wildlife is more active around sunset as well.
• Don’t rush. If you can, plan at least 2-3 days for Yosemite. This will allow you to see the best places, but also get a bit off the beaten path. But you can easily plan a longer vacation in Yosemite and you’ll find plenty to see and do, especially in summer.
• Prepare for the changing weather. Since this is the Sierras, the weather changes quickly and you never know what type of conditions you might encounter at the park. So it’s essential to check the weather forecast and travel prepared. Dress in layers and pack a rain jacket.
• Get a map & prepare to disconnect. Cell service is very limited in Yosemite. Also, if you stay in one of the hotels inside the park, be prepared for limited Wi-Fi as well. Print out any documents/ information that you might need during the trip. You can find a good road map on Amazon , or you can download a small version of a Yosemite tourist map here . If you are planning any longer hikes, it’s useful to get a map of Yosemite hiking trails .

READ ALSO: What to Pack for a Road Trip

So, this is our Yosemite travel guide. Hope that it will help you plan a more memorable trip and help you make the most of your vacation!

Have a great trip!

More National Parks travel inspiration:

• National Parks to Visit in January
• National Parks to Visit in February
• National Parks to Visit in March
• National Parks to Visit in April
• National Parks to Visit in May
• National Parks to Visit in June
• National Parks to Visit in September
• National Parks to Visit in October
• National Parks to Visit in November
• National Parks to Visit in December

READ ALSO: Best National Parks for Families

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A Complete Guide to Visiting Yosemite National Park 

By Emily Pennington

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

As America’s first swath of public land set aside for protection, Yosemite National Park is often credited as the site that birthed the entire national park idea. Home to enormous ancient sequoia groves, glacially-carved granite domes, roaring waterfalls, and over 800 miles of developed trails, Yosemite is not only one of the best national parks in California —it's the kind of place that continually amazes, whether it’s your first time visiting or your fiftieth.

The park has dark spots on its history too, from the removal of the Ahwahneechee people , to the controversial damming of  Hetch Hetchy Valley to provide drinking water to the city of San Francisco in the 1920s. Though not always a perfect model, the park continues to be a living laboratory for conservation and stewardship to this day.

Also noteworthy: In 2023, Yosemite has elected to do away with its COVID-era  vehicle permit system , meaning that day-use visitors can enter and exit the park with ease (after paying the $35 entrance fee; valid for seven days). As such, it’s sure to be an excellent season to visit this legendary park, for locals and out-of-towners alike.

Keep scrolling for our favorite hikes, sights, and stays in Yosemite National Park.

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Come winter, Yosemite's icons, like El Capitan, take on a whole new personality. 

The best time to visit Yosemite National Park

Like many of America’s iconic national parks, Yosemite is a land of vastly different elevations and, as a result, extremes in conditions across the park’s different zones.

The valley, home to jaw-dropping granite walls (like Half Dome and El Capitan) and sky-high waterfalls, sits at a sensible 4,000 feet. It gets hot in the summer (50 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit) and sees minimal snowfall most winters. The “high country,” located off Tioga Road to the north, is a sprawling high-altitude expanse of snow-capped Sierra peaks, dense stands of conifers, and glittering alpine lakes. As such, these byways are  typically only open from late May through October, depending on the weather.

Spring is a phenomenal time to go chasing waterfalls in Yosemite Valley, while summer brings crowds down low and excellent hiking weather up high (stick a pin in Tuolumne Meadows for some of the prettiest hiking paths). In autumn, fall colors start to shift along the Merced River in the valley, waterfalls run dry, and cooler daytime temps can make for wonderful backpacking trips across the entirety of the park. Winter is Yosemite’s quiet season, though the  Curry Village ice rink and  Badger Pass Ski Area liven things up once the first snow arrives.

How to get there

There's no sugarcoating it. California is a big place, and the Sierras are a big, protected mountain range. For better or worse, the closest airport to Yosemite is the  Fresno Airport . That’s still roughly 90 minutes from the park boundary and 2 hours and 20 minutes from its fabled valley cliffs, so you’ll want to rent a car, put on your favorite playlist, and enjoy the drive. On the plus side, you’ll be able to easily access Yosemite’s best trailheads with ease.

A handful of flights touch down in the tiny  Merced Airport , which boasts year-round  YARTS public transportation into the park. Yosemite offers a  free park shuttle around its popular valley. Those taking public transit can also opt for a paid  hiker’s bus between Yosemite Valley and Tuolumne Meadows, if you'd like to hike the high country.

Things to do in Yosemite

Half Dome is one of Yosemite's most popular hikes, but there are also lesser-known backpacking trails perfect for escaping the crowds. 

Hiking and backpacking

Hands down, the best way to get out and see Yosemite is to go for a hike, and this park is home to some of the most spectacular trails in the country. If you’re looking for quick, family-friendly options, take in the powerful spray of California’s tallest waterfall on the one-mile, wheelchair accessible   Lower Yosemite Fall Trail , then head to the  Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias and go for a romp along the .3-mile Big Trees Loop or the two-mile Grizzly Giant Loop.

Jessica Puckett

Hannah Towey

Karthika Gupta

Yosemite is also a bastion of calf-burning all-day adventures for serious hikers. Along the road to Glacier Point, trekkers can soak up gobsmacking views of the valley on the five-mile  Sentinel Dome and Taft Point Loop . Or, head for the high country on a seven-mile (round trip) up to  Cathedral Lakes , two postcard-worthy sapphire tarns that sit beneath a toothy granite summit.

Want to escape the crowds? Planning an overnight backpacking trip is a surefire way to experience the pristine magic of Yosemite’s wilderness, and at 747,956 acres, there’s a lot of ground to cover. Reserve a  wilderness permit for your preferred trailhead, double-check your gear, and be sure to pack (or rent) a bear canister to store your food (it’s required by law). Need some inspiration? We recommend the stunning, 6.5-mile alpine journey to  Ten Lakes or the 4.5-mile romp to  Sunrise Lakes .

Get more tips on Yosemite hikes in our complete guide.  

Scenic drives

For travelers who don’t want to dirty their loafers on a national park visit, Yosemite is full of top-notch stretches of  scenic pavement . In summer, when Tioga Road is open, visitors can motor across the “range of light,” from Lee Vining all the way to El Portal, on the western edge of the park. Along the way, enjoy purple spider lupine and brilliant pink penstemon in  Tuolumne Meadows , stopping to admire the sweeping view of Half Dome and Clouds Rest from  Olmstead Point .

If you’re dead set on exploring  Yosemite Valley by car, go early in the morning to avoid traffic jams and enjoy the peaceful light as deer graze in  Cook’s Meadow . Be sure to stop at the incomparable waterfalls (Vernal, Yosemite, and Bridalveil are our top picks), then pull over at El Capitan and try to imagine Alex Honnold scaling the 3,000-foot-tall cliff face, sans-rope.

You could go way off the beaten path and avoid crowds altogether in Yosemite’s gorgeous  Hetch Hetchy area, which sits in the park’s northwestern corner and features that aforementioned massive reservoir, punctuated by cascading waterfalls.

Cycle or drive through Yosemite National Park for miles and miles of views. 

Cycling the Valley Loop

Yosemite’s breathtaking valley is home to one of the best (and flattest)  multi-use bike paths in the national park system. BYO-bicycle or  rent one at Curry Village, Yosemite Village, or Yosemite Valley Lodge, then wheel onto more than 12-miles of designated bike trails, which wind past Half Dome, Happy Isles, Mirror Lake, Merced River, and Lower Yosemite Fall.

Guided tours

For travelers hoping to dig a little deeper or venture a little further, there are a wealth of expert-led guided tours in Yosemite, too. Those hoping to follow in Honnold’s footsteps (roped up, of course), should check out  Yosemite Valley Mountaineering School , which has been in business since 1969 and offers courses ranging from the beginner-focused “Welcome to the Rock” to big wall seminars for experienced granite aficionados. Nearby,  Southern Yosemite Mountain Guides also offers day- and weekend-long outings for budding climbers, plus day hikes and backpacking excursions.

If you’ve only got one day inside the park, book a  Grand Tour with Aramark, the park’s licensed concessionaire, for an all-day adventure (lunch included) that takes in the majestic rock domes of Yosemite Valley, the skyscraper-sized trees of Mariposa Grove, and panoramic views at Glacier Point. Just outside the valley,  Rush Creek Lodge offers a bevy of great day trips as well, ranging from sunset happy hours to view-filled snowshoe excursions.

Don’t want to overnight alone, or just prefer to hike in a group? REI offers a pretty fantastic  lodge-based hiking tour that explores the park’s most noteworthy nooks and crannies, from Budd Lake and to Glacier Point, to the Middle Earth-esque Mist Trail. However, the best stargazing (and most pristine solitude) can only be soaked up on an overnight backpacking trip, and  Wildland Trekking can throw down with the best of ‘em. Test your nerves and attempt to summit  Half Dome’s slick spine or do a deep-dive into Yosemite’s high country on the seven-day “ Wonders of Yosemite ” journey.

Rent an Airstream at AutoCamp Yosemite for connection to the outdoors—and the comforts of home. 

Where to stay in and around Yosemite

Hoping to car camp under the stars? Sleep in a vintage Airstream? Or perhaps you’d prefer a top-notch lodge, complete with a delicious dinner menu? No matter your style, there’s sure to be something to suit even the choosiest traveler in your crew.

Yosemite is home to thirteen, yes,  thirteen   car-accessible campgrounds , all of which book up within minutes and are on a reservation system from April through October. Reserving a primo spot (especially in the coveted valley) can be a bit of a headache, as  some campgrounds become available five months in advance, some two months in advance, and others just two weeks out from a trip. Plan ahead, triple-check the park website, and book early, especially if your heart is set on pitching a tent under Half Dome–at the popular Upper, Lower, or North Pines campgrounds.

In winter, many campgrounds close, but a few (Camp 4, Wawona, and Hodgdon Meadow) switch over to a first-come, first-served system. Upper Pines, located in Yosemite Valley, has reservations available year-round for those who don’t mind the cold.

Read more about camping in Yosemite in our complete guide.  

Hotels, glamping, and vacation rentals

As one of the most-visited sites in the NPS system (over 3.6 million visited in 2022), Yosemite has a wealth of posh accommodations just outside the park boundary.  Rush Creek Lodge & Spa , located a mere five minutes from the Big Oak Flat Entrance, is a haven for foodie families looking for a post-hike massage and epic cocktail menu (there’s even an on-site pool and zip line for the kiddos). Discerning travelers seeking white glove service and excellent fine dining should head south for  Château du Sureau , a European-style castle with a phenomenal restaurant ( The Elderberry House ), set on nine private acres in the mountain town of Oakhurst.

As far as historic park lodges go,  The Ahwahnee , in Yosemite Valley, is considered the crown jewel of the bunch. Built to complement the park’s soaring granite walls and verdant conifers, it first opened in 1927 and is known for its stately dining room and incomparable location.

Intrepid park-goers craving the comforts of home (think hot showers, luxe linens, and private patios) in a more adventurous setting might prefer a chic Airstream stay at  AutoCamp Yosemite . Or, of course, you could always splurge on a vacation house rental inside the park, like  this breezy craftsman in Yosemite West or this plush log cabin in Wawona .

Read more on the best places to stay in Yosemite National Park.  

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Entry reservations no longer required: A beginner’s guide to visiting Yosemite National Park

Editor's Note

Few national parks loom quite as large as Yosemite National Park.

Located in the High Sierra of Northern California, Yosemite is one of the country's oldest and most visited national parks. Outdoor adventurers and nature lovers flock to the natural wonders of Half Dome, El Capitan and the park's many waterfalls .

I began visiting Yosemite with my husband nearly two decades ago, not long after he finished a summer working in the park's High Sierra Camps in college. After moving to the San Francisco Bay Area just 3.5 hours away, we returned for a number of visits in the years that followed. We recently took our kids with us for their first Yosemite trip last summer when the park reopened after its COVID-19 closure.

If you've never been to Yosemite National Park, here's everything you need to know to plan your first visit.

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Yosemite National Park basics

At nearly 1,200 square miles, Yosemite is one of the larger national parks and definitely deserving of much more than a day trip. The park averages between 4 and 5 million visitors in a typical year, making it one of the most visited national parks in the U.S.

The park is best known for its many waterfalls and granite monoliths like Half Dome and El Capitan, which climbers dream of conquering . Yosemite also has a number of epic hiking opportunities as well as abundant wildlife, including bears that are masters at breaking into cars if you dare leave any leftovers behind.

Yosemite entry costs $35 per vehicle. Consider purchasing an America the Beautiful annual pass if you plan to visit a few other national parks or public lands within the same 12-month period. At just $80, it's a solid value and a great way to visit the nation's parklands for less . Also, remember that 4th graders get free entry to national parks if they register with the Every Kid Outdoors program .

The park was closed for several months in the spring of 2020, but it reopened in June under special coronavirus restrictions. Visiting Yosemite during COVID-19 definitely means a few differences from usual operations, but those differences are overwhelmingly positive.

Advance park entry reservations were previously required for anyone not staying in lodging located within the park's boundaries, but as of March 1 , that's no longer the case.

Related: 7 trips to take right now if you want to escape the crowds

How to get to Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is enormous, so before you decide how to get there, you need to decide which parts of the park you want to visit.

Most first-time visitors head to the Yosemite Valley, taking either Highway 120 or 140 into the park from the west. There's also a south entrance at Wawona, an entrance on the northwest into the Hetch Hetchy Valley and an eastern entrance at the Tioga Pass that's only accessible in the summer.

The closest airport to the park that offers a reasonable amount of commercial service is in Fresno, California. The Fresno-Yosemite Airport (FAT) is approximately a 1.5-hour drive to the southern entrance at Wawona or 2.5 hours into the Yosemite Valley.

Many visitors arriving by air opt to fly into one of the San Francisco Bay Area's airports, which offer more airlift and usually cheaper fares. Oakland International (OAK) is the closest at 3.5 hours away from the valley, but San Francisco International (SFO) or Mineta San Jose International (SJC) are both viable options at about 4 hours away.

Related: National parks are reopening: Here's everything you need to know to plan a trip

Top things to do and see in Yosemite National Park

Given its size, it really does take nearly a full week to get a glimpse at the entirety of the park.

Yosemite Valley

If you only have a day or a weekend, the most popular area of the park is the Yosemite Valley. Here you'll find creature comforts like shorter paved trails, restaurants, stores and car-accessible stops. But some incredibly challenging hikes start here as well, so more adventurous travelers shouldn't write off the valley.

You can take a shuttle around the valley or walk or bike parts of it, though the shuttle is not running during coronavirus restrictions. Some of the highlights in the Yosemite Valley include:

• Tunnel View : The car pullout at Tunnel View on Highway 41 offers the quintessential Yosemite backdrop for a photo, with El Capitan and Half Dome in view.

• Bridalveil Fall : Stroll a half-mile on a paved (but not wheelchair accessible) trail to view this famous waterfall.
• Sentinel Beach : In the summer months, set up a towel on the banks of the Merced River that flows through the valley. Sentinel Beach is one of the top spots for wading or tubing when the water isn't flowing too fast.
• Mist Trail (Vernal & Nevada Falls) : The Mist Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the valley, ascending up two waterfalls. The roundtrip climb is 5.4 miles and fairly strenuous due to elevation changes. If you aren't up for a full day hike, consider doing the round-trip to the footbridge that offers views of Vernal Fall. It's less than a mile each way but is rated as a moderate hike due to the vertical climb (my 6-year-old did it, but not without some complaining and a few breaks).

• Yosemite Falls : One of the easier and most popular hikes in the valley is the stroll to Lower Yosemite Fall. The 1-mile loop is paved and mostly stroller and wheelchair accessible. Hikers looking for a bigger challenge can ascend the longer trail to the top of the upper fall, a 7.2-mile hike with 2,700 feet in elevation change.
• Mirror Lake : One of the most photographed spots in the valley is the reflection of Half Dome in the water at Mirror Lake (which becomes Mirror Meadow later in the summer and fall when the water recedes). Take the short interpretive nature path to view the closer end of the lake, or hike the mostly flat longer trail that circumnavigates the water.

• Half Dome : Ascending Half Dome is a bucket list hike for many travelers. But at 14 to 16 miles round-trip, it's one of the most strenuous hikes in the park and requires substantial preparation. In order to prevent overcrowding on the cables that help hikers climb the last part of the trail, the park instituted a permit system a few years ago. You must now enter a lottery in March each year for a chance to hike Half Dome.

Glacier Point

Perched high above the valley floor is one of the park's most popular drives to Glacier Point. Even though Glacier Point is only a few miles from the Yosemite Valley, the drive itself takes 45 minutes to an hour from Yosemite Village due to the elevation change.

Glacier Point has a short, easy trail from the parking area to a variety of lookout points. Both a side view of Half Dome as well as Vernal and Nevada Falls are visible.

Parking can be a major challenge at Glacier Point, so when shuttles and tours are running again, shared transportation is the preferred way to see it. Taking a shuttle to the top is also the best option for hikers who want to take one of the many trails down into the valley. In particular, the Panorama Trail (8.5 miles) and Four Mile Trail are popular options. Some more ambitious hikers will take one of those trails up and the other down!

There are other hikes available on the road to Glacier Point as well. In particular, the trailhead about a mile from the top of Glacier Point is an excellent choice for the moderately adventurous, with 2.2-mile hikes leading to either Sentinel Dome or Taft Point.

For now, during COVID-19 restrictions, shuttles are unavailable, but there's ample parking at Glacier Point for the park's limited number of visitors. Note that the road to Glacier Point will be closed all of 2021 to make improvements.

Mariposa Grove

One of the draws of California's outdoors is its enormous and imposing trees . The giant sequoias located at Mariposa Grove are excellent specimens. The famed Grizzly Giant and California Tunnel Tree that visitors can walk through are just two of 500 trees protected within this area of the park.

Under normal park conditions, there's a shuttle from the Mariposa Welcome Center that delivers guests to an arrival area. There are a variety of trails that originate here, including the easy Big Tree Loop (a third of a mile) or the moderate 2-mile Grizzly Giant Loop Trail. During COVID-19 restrictions, however, your only option is to hike 2 miles each way from the parking area to the arrival area, making hikes here a much longer time investment.

Tuolumne Meadows & Tioga Road

Visitors looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Yosemite Valley often head for Tuolumne Meadows. Located past the Big Oak Flat entrance to the park on Highway 120 along Tioga Road, this high elevation alpine meadow area is accessible only in the summer and early fall.

After leaving Crane Flat, stop at either Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias or Merced Grove of Giant Sequoias as you make your way along Highway 120. Picnic by Tenaya Lake and stop by Olmstead Point for a very different angled view of Half Dome. There are a number of moderate and strenuous hikes along Tioga Road as well as plenty of car pullouts with magnificent views.

There's a visitor center at Tuolumne Meadows as well as a wilderness center.

Related: I went to Glacier and Yellowstone during COVID; 6 ways visiting national parks is weird right now

Where to stay in Yosemite National Park

Of course, camping is a popular choice for many travelers in Yosemite. Reserved RV and car campsites are available at many locations within the park, although a number of campgrounds closed in 2020 due to the park's capacity restrictions. Check availability before your trip. Wilderness permits are also available for backcountry hikers camping overnight.

For guests who prefer four walls and a bed during their overnight stay, there are two hotels in the Yosemite Valley: the Ahwahnee and Yosemite Village Lodge. The Ahwahnee is an iconic national park lodge that exudes old-world charm. At over $500 a night, however, it's also an expensive choice, and it doesn't exactly meet modern luxury hotel standards. That said, my family thought it was worth the splurge for the historic experience and central location on our most recent trip.

Rooms at the Yosemite Village Lodge are less expensive (around $250 per night for standard rooms) but in a more rustic setting with basic amenities. The location of this hotel is truly ideal, within an easy walk or bike ride of many of the valley's top sights.

Also in the valley is Curry Village, which offers lodging mostly in tented cabins . The experience is somewhere in between car camping and a motel. The private cabins have concrete floors and basic beds with frames, but they also have tent walls and bathrooms are communal. I probably wouldn't recommend Curry Village to families with very young kids due to the noise and challenges of communal living, but it's a fun option for families with older kids, backpackers and anyone on a tight budget.

To the south, the other in-park hotel is the charming Victorian-era Wawona Hotel. There are also some private cabins in the Wawona area available for rent as well.

Ultimately, there really aren't enough places to stay within the park to accommodate Yosemite's many annual visitors. That's why a lot of visitors choose to stay in lodging just outside the park's several entrances.

To be sure, points-friendly hotels are few and far between in the area. Most lodging is independently owned, motel-style and budget-friendly. Two of the newer and higher-end properties for travelers seeking extra creature comforts are Tenaya Lodge, near the south entrance, and Rush Creek Lodge near the Big Oak Flat entrance on Highway 120. Coming soon is an upscale glamping camp from Under Canvas.

Related: Exploring national parks: Where to stay using points

The best times to visit Yosemite National Park

Yosemite is open year-round, but the high season is undoubtedly the summer. Legions of families and international visitors on summer break flock to the park in the summer months. Of course, this can mean some pretty crushing crowds. In fact, one of the major reasons my own family had not returned to Yosemite with our kids until this year was the uncomfortable crowd levels.

If you must go in the summer (in non-COVID times), pack your patience and allow extra time for everything. Try to go on a weekday to avoid some of the worst chokepoints and start early in the morning. Also plan to get out of the valley, where crowds will be lighter.

Shoulder season in spring and fall can be an excellent choice for travelers with more flexible schedules looking to dodge even more crowds. In fact, the very best time to visit Yosemite might just be late spring. The month of May, especially, is when waterfalls are often at their highest flows from snowmelt, and the weather is mild for hiking.

Winter in Yosemite is a very different national park experience. Tioga Road closes from about November to late May or early June every year. But much of the rest of the park is accessible, with opportunities to snowshoe or even cross-country ski. The park also is home to a ski resort, Badger Pass, that's less expensive or overwhelming than the mega-resorts elsewhere in California in Lake Tahoe or Mammoth.

Bottom line

Yosemite is certainly a national park worthy of its placement on many travel bucket lists. With both easy and challenging hikes and an array of breathtaking sights, it's a national park that has something to offer a wide variety of travelers.

Just be sure to make plans for crowds when coronavirus restrictions are lifted. And if you're able to safely and responsibly travel to Yosemite while park capacity is limited like my family was, the payoff is pretty tremendous.

Read on for more tips on visiting America's National Parks :

• Guide to visiting Redwood State and National Parks
• Guide to visiting Zion National Park
• Guide to visiting Glacier National Park
• Plan a camping trip to Yellowstone National Park
• Beginners guide to Rocky Mountain National Park
• Where to camp, stay and play at the Grand Canyon
• Top tips for taking kids to National Parks

36 Hours at Yosemite: A First Time Visit To America’s Famous National Park

As a teacher for 35 years, I have often described the majesty of Yosemite National Park as a prime example of the power of glacial forces on our Earth. So it was somewhat ironic that I have never actually seen Yosemite Valley in person. As someone who lives on the East Coast of the United States, most of my trips to California were for business or conferences. This all changed this past summer. I discovered a few valuable lessons that may help to make your journey more enjoyable.

Upfront, I must say that if you have never been to Yosemite, the decision should not be whether to go, but rather when. I cannot begin to describe the amazing beauty of the place. It is truly one of the natural wonders of our planet. When I saw the valley for the first time in person, my first reaction was that it did not seem real, but rather looked like an opening scene from a movie. If you have the opportunity to visit, you must make the effort. Needless to say, I am a fan, and I believe that there is little I can add to the many descriptions and accolades surrounding this gem of nature.

Lodging in the Park is Hard to Find

Getting from mariposa to yosemite valley, getting from mariposa to yosemite valley, plan b, glacier point, tunnel view, bridal veil falls, visitor’s center, mirror lake, editor’s note.

View of Vernal Falls from Glacier Point

I traveled to Yosemite for the first time at the end of June 2017 from San Francisco with my daughter. Since we only had two days to visit the park, we decided to focus on the Yosemite Valley area for our first visit. The actual National Park is very large, and we knew we did not have enough time to venture into other areas of the park. Our decision to visit Yosemite was made about 6 months before our journey. Ideally, we wanted to stay at one of the lodging sites within the park, but a search in January did not yield any available places for the dates of our visit. This was a little disappointing, so we decided to look outside the park by following the access roads that led to our destination. Eventually, we settled upon a town about 45 miles away from the center of Yosemite Valley called Mariposa on California Route 140. This proved to be a good choice for finding affordable accommodations and places to eat.

View of Yosemite Valley from Glacier Point

Another decision we considered was how to cover the 45 miles from Mariposa to Yosemite each day. We found that there was a public transportation system called YARTS (Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System) that ran a bus 7 times a day through Mariposa to the park and also made 7 return trips. We thought this sounded like a good idea, so we researched information and planned to use the bus the first day. In reality, it did not go as well as planned. After boarding the bus in the late morning, it took us a full 2 hours to cover the 45-mile distance due to a good number of stops, winding roads, and road construction. Our return journey took 3 hours due to the same factors. The additional hour on the return was most likely caused by crowded roadways or additional road construction in the park. After spending so much time on the bus, we found that we were not able to see much in Yosemite on our first day, so we regrouped and planned a different strategy for our second day.

For our second day, we decided it would be best to drive. This decision was mainly dictated by our desire to have the maximum amount of time at the park and to be able to move around on our own schedule. We also knew that driving might have its own problems because the park was intensely crowded with visitors and cars. We saw very few open parking spaces on our first day and a lot of traffic jams. A park ranger estimated that there easily could have been 17 to 18 thousand people in attendance. Even with the intense traffic, driving proved to be a good choice.

It actually took us less than an hour to cover the distance from Mariposa to the entrance of Yosemite Park. We chose Glacier Point as our first stop. Our goal was to get an early start around 8 AM and arrive before the late morning crowds. Glacier Point gets very crowded and by 10 AM during the summer, the Park Service often requires visitors to take a shuttle to reach the viewing point. Our early morning strategy worked well, and we arrived at our location before the Park Service required visitors to Glacier Point to use their shuttle system.

What to See

My daughter and I are both in good physical condition and we enjoy hiking. We enjoy seeing natural scenic sites that we can get to with a reasonable amount of effort. Both of us also wanted to see as much as possible in the day and a half that we had at Yosemite. After some research, we decided that our goal would be to see: Yosemite Falls, Tunnel View, Bridal Veil Falls, El Capitan, Half Dome, Cook ‘s Meadow, and Glacier Point. We further hoped that we would be able to take a hike around Mirror Lake.

The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoia Trees was also on our list, but it was closed for restoration until the fall. On our first day, we were able to see Yosemite Falls and walk the Cook ‘s Meadow Trail. We were a little disappointed that we were not able to accomplish more, but we did use our time at the park to investigate the park shuttle bus schedule and get a feel for the distance and locations of sites within the park.

Note, check out the article Yosemite with disabilities if you want to visit the park but have mobility concerns.

Glacier Point was a spectacular way to begin our visit. At an elevation of 7,214 feet (3,200 feet above the valley floor), the views from Glacier Point were breathtaking. This is definitely a must-see stop on any visit to Yosemite. The panorama of the entire valley and Half Dome was a visual site we will never forget. We spent about an hour here and noticed that the number of people significantly increased while we were there.

On the way back to the valley floor, we stopped at Tunnel View for some great photographs. Fortunately, we were able to get a parking spot here, even though the parking areas were filling up quickly. Due to the changing light conditions in the valley, we found that many views from the west were in shadow during the morning. It would have made more sense to take photographs of the valley from Tunnel View later in the day. This would also be true for most of the famous sites in the valley, but changing our schedule would have required driving extra miles and possibly being blocked from sites due to overcrowded conditions.

After spending 20 minutes at Tunnel View, we descended to our first stop at Bridal Veil Falls. Here it was difficult to find a parking spot, but persistence paid off and we did find a place a little below the falls main parking area. After a short walk, we were able to visit the falls. It was great being up close to the falls, but it was not the best place to take photographs. After realizing this, we walked back to the valley floor where we could get some better views of Bridal Veil Falls and El Capitan.

After finishing these visits, it was almost 11 AM and it was clear that the park was very crowded with car and bus traffic. Our plan was to head to the Visitor ‘s Center and park our car. We thought it would be best to navigate the rest of the park using the Park Service Shuttle Bus system. Finding a parking space was not easy, and we drove around for nearly an hour before we found a space a little west of the Yosemite Valley Lodge area. Most lots were full and parking by the side of the main roads was scarce. We felt fortunate to find a space.

After eating lunch at the Valley Lodge, we boarded a Park Service Shuttle Bus to Mirror Lake. The buses were crowded mostly by people heading to Vernal Falls or Mirror Lake. In fact, the bus bypassed a few stops because there was no more room for additional people. By the time we reached Mirror Lake, it was almost 2 pm. We were a little tired, but we really wanted to do some hiking, so we decided to walk the six-mile trail around Mirror Lake. This proved to be an excellent idea.

The hike was relatively easy and we soon discovered that after about a mile on the trail, there were very few people. In fact, the next 4 miles were very peaceful and serene. We found that even though the major sites may be very crowded, there are still many quiet areas that can be found by hiking a little deeper into the park. This was a fascinating trail that took us to the still waters of Mirror Lake, near the base of Half Dome, and along the raging headwaters of Tenaya Creek. It provided a wonderful contrast to the crowds we experienced at other locations within the park.

By the time we finished around 5 PM, the traffic in the park began to significantly diminish, and we had no problem getting the bus back to our parking area. Furthermore, the roads on our return drive were not crowded, and by 7 PM, we were back in Mariposa where we had a relaxing dinner.

We learned some great lessons on our initial visit to Yosemite National Park:

• First, it is important to plan well in advance if you are traveling there during the summer.
• Expect large crowds and be flexible with your schedule.
• When you go there, arrive early and build extra time into your plans.
• You can see Yosemite using public transportation, but a car does give you more options and flexibility.
• The Park Service Shuttle is a valuable tool that you should use to get to areas of the park in Yosemite Valley. In fact, the only way to get to Mirror Lake was by use of the shuttle or walking.
• Popular sites will be crowded, but there are still many peaceful areas that can be found on the many trails spread throughout the park.
• Don ‘t let the excuse of summer crowds keep you away, just plan wisely and have a strategy for dealing with the people and cars.

Our first trip to Yosemite National Park left us filled with wonderment and amazement. We want to go back and see more. So for us, we hope that this will be the first of many visits, and next time we ‘ll build upon the lessons we learned to explore even more of the park.

It is worth noting that Yosemite is a very different place off-season. The falls are not as spectacular in the winter when Yosemite Falls can blow away in a strong breeze, but on the other hand, I have parked at the Yosemite Falls parking lot in the middle of December with only 2 other cars and I have walked to Mirror Lake and seen no other hikers.

If you are camping in Yosemite you will find quieter and larger campsites up outside the valley floor, but they will be significantly cooler because they are at higher elevations. You can also stay in one of the classic park lodges or spend less to stay outside the park boundary.

Related posts:

• Travel to Yosemite and the Region – Episode 32
• Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

by Barry Kramer

One response to “36 hours at yosemite: a first time visit to america’s famous national park”.

Darryl Kirby

Great post! Yosemite really took my breath away the first time I went; seems like there is still much more to see. Thanks for sharing!

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The Best Time to Visit Yosemite National Park

When to visit Yosemite National Park for camping, great weather, fewer crowds, and more.

Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel.

It's hard to top the beauty and magic of Yosemite National Park. Granite monoliths jut out of the ground, giant sequoia groves dot the landscape, and waterfalls topple off cliffs. The park has 747,956 acres or 1,169 square miles of near-complete wilderness, making it impossible to explore in full over a weekend (or even a week). But Yosemite can enchant on even a brief visit.

At just over an hour north of Fresno and around three hours from both San Francisco and Sacramento, the park is surprisingly accessible. And since it's open year-round, it doesn't matter when you go — just that you go. Yosemite's basic tourist seasons can be broken down as follows.

• High Season: Late May to early September
• Shoulder Seasons: April to early May and late September to October
• Low Season: November to March

Below, we've compiled a guide to help you nail down the perfect timing for your first (or 25th) Yosemite National Park getaway.

Vince Fergus/Travel + Leisure

Best Times to Visit Yosemite National Park for Smaller Crowds

According to National Park Service statistics, nearly 75 percent of visitors to Yosemite come between May and October, meaning the park is wonderfully crowd-free from November through April. A winter visit may look different from the sunny summer trips that many associate with the park, but don't worry — the splendor and beauty of Yosemite remain even in the cooler months. You can head out on a serene winter hike or watch the plunge of Yosemite Falls, a seasonal waterfall that begins flowing in late autumn. For extra peace and quiet, visit in January, which is typically the park's least busy month.

Just keep in mind that, while the Yosemite Valley and Wawona areas are accessible by car all year, some more remote and challenging roadways, like Tioga, close for the winter (usually starting in November). The road to Glacier Point also sees winter closures, though during ski season — typically mid-December through early April — the park plows the Glacier Point/Badger Pass Road as far as Badger Pass Ski Area .

For manageable crowds without wintry weather, try visiting during the shoulder seasons of late spring and early fall. The park won't be as empty then as it is during winter, but since the busiest season runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day, you can expect a shoulder-season trip to grant you more breathing room than a high-summer visit.

Best Times to Visit Yosemite National Park for Good Weather

Because the park covers more than a thousand square miles and a large variety of elevations and landscapes, the weather will vary based on where you plan to spend the day. That being said, Yosemite typically receives 95 percent of its total precipitation between October and May, with the significant majority falling between November and March.

So if you want a drier trip, the best time to visit Yosemite is from June to September. This time of year also offers optimal conditions for outdoor recreation. Summer highs usually range from 80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit in the Yosemite Valley, and in the higher-elevation Tuolumne Meadows, the mercury tends to top out in the 70s. Freezing temperatures are possible in the summer at high elevations, particularly in June and September, so keep that in mind if you're planning mountain adventures.

Best Times to Visit Yosemite National Park for Affordable Prices

As an outdoor destination where the focus is more on camping and hiking than hotel stays and fancy dinners, Yosemite is a fairly affordable getaway year-round. You can save money with a winter trip, though, since flights to the area and accommodations nearby often lower their prices in the off-season.

Within the park, one of the best ways to score a deal is to plan ahead if you're a regular visitor. Entry passes to the park cost $35 year-round for private vehicles, but for just $70, you can purchase an annual pass that grants unlimited entrances for one calendar year. Yosemite also offers occasional "fee-free days" when no pass is required — though very crowded, they can be a good way to save.

Best Times to Visit Yosemite National Park for Camping

Camping in Yosemite is extremely popular, and believe it or not, you can camp year-round at the park. Typically, the Hodgdon Meadow, and Yosemite Valley's Upper Pines and Camp 4 campgrounds are open all year. But if you don't want to worry about finding winter camping gear or you're planning to camp deep in the park — at White Wolf, for example — it's best to schedule your trip during the summer, when inclement weather is least likely.

Opening dates for Yosemite's seasonal campgrounds change each year and can vary significantly between sites. Some open as early as April and stay in use until November or December, while others may launch their season in August and remain open for just a few weeks. Information on each campground's availability — and on reservations, which are required in most cases — can be found on the park's website . Be warned: spots fill up quickly for the period between April and September.

Best Times to Visit Yosemite National Park for Driving Tioga Road

Tioga Road is the only road that traverses the entire park, making it perfect for visitors who want to see as much of Yosemite as possible in a short amount of time. The 47-mile road stretches from Crane Flat to Tioga Pass and gives drivers a chance to view some of hundreds of animal species native to the park, from black bears to great gray owls. Along the way, you'll pass the stunning Tuolumne Meadows, the massive Lembert Dome, and the beautiful Siesta and Tenaya lakes.

Due to snowfall, Tioga Road is closed during the winter months. Depending on conditions, the open season lasts from roughly May or June to sometime in October or November — and if you don't mind sharing the road with other drivers, summer is the best time to visit in that span. The months of June, July, and August see the best weather and the greatest volume of services and attractions open along the route.

Best Times to Visit Yosemite National Park for Seeing Wildflowers

Thanks to Yosemite National Park's varying elevation (from 2,000 feet in the west to 13,000 on mountaintops in the east), wildflowers can be spotted most of the year — you just have to know when and where to go.

In the spring, head to the hiking trails in the park's lower elevations — Cook's Meadow Loop in the Yosemite Valley, Wawona Meadow Loop in Wawona, and Wapama Falls in Hetch Hetchy — to see the first colorful signs of the spring season. Even at higher elevations, you might be able to spot bright patches of color peeking out of the snow. Along the McGurk Meadow, Taft Point, and Sentinel Dome trails, which are all found along Glacier Point Road, the reddish-pink snow plant makes its bright entrance.

In the summer, Tuolumne Meadows is rich in wildflowers. You'll find pink shooting stars in the early months and columbine, fireweed, and dog violets in the late summer. In the middle of summer, the highest points of the park come alive with alpine laurel, yellow mountain monkeyflowers, and angelicas.

Worst Times to Visit Yosemite National Park

If crowds aren't your cup of tea, avoid visiting during July and August, when the number of visitors can be five or six times as high as in the quiet winter months. June and September are the next busiest months for the park, and it's worth noting that Christmas and New Year's also draw in comparatively large crowds for the off-season.

If you don't want your Yosemite experience to be limited by road, trail, and campground closures, though, your best bet is to visit between June and September — the park's attractions and amenities are typically all open at that time of year. Options for what to see and where to stay are more limited in the winter, which makes it a less ideal time for visitors hoping to check off all the park's highlights. Winter should also be avoided (at high elevations especially) by any travelers who lack the experience and gear required to get outdoors in chilly weather and deep snow.

The Ultimate Yosemite Guide, from a National Park Aficionado

It may be crowded, but It's iconic for a reason—and truly worth a visit.

The first time I hiked in Yosemite National Park , I was blown away. Sure, you see Yosemite in pictures and videos on YouTube, but that's nothing compared to experiencing it in person. The vast size of the park, the granite cliffs, stunning waterfalls—including Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall in North America—and sprawling meadows astounded me.

Yosemite National Park has since become my favorite national park (and place!) in the U.S. I've made it my vow to visit it every year, and it sparked my mission of visiting all of the national parks in America. (I'm currently at 18 of 63!)

Located in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, Yosemite offers visitors an enticing blend of natural wonders and outdoor activities. It's home to iconic landmarks like Half Dome and El Capitan , which attract climbers and photographers from around the world.

Whether you're seeking hiking trails, camping spots, or simply a peaceful retreat in nature, Yosemite National Park has something to offer everyone. Ready to plan your visit? Consider this your ultimate guide to optimizing your trip to Yosemite.

What Should You Visit Yosemite?

Kendra Tustin for Wide Open Spaces

The fascinating topography of Yosemite National Park formed through a series of geological processes over millions of years. The park's iconic features, such as its granite cliffs and deep valleys, can be traced to the uplift and erosion of the Sierra Nevada mountain range.

Around 10 million years ago, tectonic forces caused the uplifting of the Sierra Nevada, creating a high plateau. Over time, erosion from ice, water, and wind shaped the landscape.

During the last Ice Age, approximately 2 million years ago, glaciers sculpted the valleys and carved out U-shaped canyons. The immense pressure and movement of the glaciers resulted in the iconic features seen today, including Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and El Capitan.

The exposed granite cliffs, such as those in Yosemite Valley, are the result of erosion stripping away the surrounding rock layers.

Related Content

The ultimate adventure guide to yosemite national park, the kid-friendly itinerary to yosemite national park, 18 awe-inspiring trails in yosemite national park for hikers at all levels.

Yosemite's diverse landscape is a testament to the complex geological history that has shaped the park into the natural wonder it is today.

Where Is Yosemite National Park Located?

National Park Service

Yosemite National Park is located in the western Sierra Nevada mountains of California. The park covers an area of about 1,200 square miles and is primarily located in Mariposa County but extends into Tuolumne and Madera counties as well.

It's about four hours from San Francisco, three hours from Sacramento, and eight hours from Las Vegas.

How Do You Get to Yosemite?

Arch rock entrance (highway 140).

This entrance is located northwest of Mariposa and is accessed via Highway 140 from Merced. It provides direct access to Yosemite Valley.

South Entrance (Highway 41)

Located near the town of Fish Camp, this entrance is accessed via Highway 41 from Fresno. It provides access to Wawona, Yosemite Valley, and Glacier Point.

Tioga Pass Entrance (Highway 120)

Situated east of Groveland, this entrance is accessed via Highway 120 from the west or east. It provides access to Tuolumne Meadows, Tioga Pass, and other high-country areas. (FYI: Tioga Pass road is typically closed during winter months due to snow. Sometimes it can remain closed into July!)

Fresno Yosemite International Airports (FAT)

Located in Fresno, California, FAT is the closest airport to the south entrance of Yosemite National Park. It's approximately a 1.5- to 2-hour drive to the park. This airport is served directly by public transportation in the form of Yosemite Area Regional Transit System (YARTS) .

Merced Regional Airport (MCE)

Located in Merced, California, MCE is the closest airport to the Arch Rock Entrance of Yosemite National Park. From there, it's approximately a 2-hour drive to the park.

Sacramento International Airport (SMF)

Located in between Sacramento and Woodland, California, Sacramento International Airport is another option when traveling to Yosemite National Park. The airport is roughly three hours to the south entrance of the park.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Yosemite?

The best time to visit Yosemite National Park largely depends on your own preferences. Each season has its own charm, so it's important to consider your preferred activities, weather conditions, and crowd levels when choosing when to visit Yosemite. Here's what you might expect, by the seasons:

March to May: Spring brings blooming wildflowers and rushing waterfalls as the snow melts. The park is less crowded during this time, and you can enjoy moderate temperatures. However, some higher-elevation areas may still have snow, limiting access to certain trails.

June to August: Summer is the peak tourist season with warm temperatures, open trails, and longer days. The valley is bustling with visitors, and popular attractions can get crowded. You'll need to make reservations for accommodations and activities well in advance.

September to November: Fall is a beautiful time to visit Yosemite as the foliage transforms into vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold. The weather remains pleasant, and the park sees fewer crowds compared to summer. September is a great time for hiking and rock climbing.

December to February: Yosemite's winter offers a serene and snowy landscape. Some roads and facilities may be closed due to snowfall, but you can enjoy winter activities like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and ice skating (at Curry Village). Just keep in mind that Yosemite Valley may experience occasional closures due to storms.

Yosemite Reservations, Passes, and Entrance Fees

Some good news: Yosemite National Park no longer requires reservations . However, keep in mind that does mean more crowds, particularly during the peak summer season.

There are five days throughout the year that you can visit any national park for free —make sure to check the NPS website for the most up-to-date information. But, otherwise, you'll need to pay an entrance fee to Yosemite . The current rates for a pass good for seven consecutive days are $35 to enter by private vehicle, $30 for a motorcycle, and $20 per person if entering on foot, by bicycle, or on horseback.

If you want to visit Yosemite numerous times throughout the year, you can purchase an annual pass to visit the park for $70. You can also purchase an America the Beautiful annual pass for $80 for access to all of the national parks for 365 days.

Where to Stay in Yosemite National Park

Yosemite is so vast, which means that there are a ton of options for accommodations. Keep in mind that the hotels in Yosemite National Park are pricey and get booked up extremely fast, especially during the summer, so try to get a reservation at least 2-3 months in advance.

Best Places to Stay While Visiting Yosemite

Located near the park's southern entrance, Wawona features the historic Wawona Hotel. It offers a rustic charm and is close to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias.

Yosemite West

Situated just outside the park's western boundary, Yosemite West offers vacation rental homes and condos with easy access to Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point, and Badger Pass Ski Area.

Located just outside the western entrance, El Portal is home to a few hotels and lodges, providing a convenient base for exploring the park.

Mariposa and Oakhurst

These nearby towns offer a range of accommodation options, including hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and vacation rentals. They are within a reasonable driving distance from the park's entrances.

Campgrounds in Yosemite

Yosemite National Park has several campgrounds within the park, including Upper Pines, Lower Pines, and North Pines. These can be reserved in advance—an absolute must if you want to camp in the summer—and provide a more immersive camping experience.

Getting Around Yosemite National Park

You can easily drive your vehicle into the park, which has tradeoffs. As I learned on a trip to Yosemite this summer, if you visit during the busy season, parking fills up fast . Because Yosemite did away with the reservation entry system, that means more people vying for spots. The biggest tip I can give you is to get to the park as early as you can—I arrived at 5:45 A.M. and had plenty of parking to choose from.

The caveat: You may want your vehicle to get to other parts of the park. And if you leave your parking spot, you could have a difficult time finding another. My advice is to leave your car once you find parking. Luckily, there are a few ways of getting around the valley without moving your car from your parking space.

Yosemite National Park offers a free shuttle system that provides transportation around Yosemite Valley, the busiest area of the park.

• If you're looking to visit Mariposa Grove, the free shuttle is the primary way to get there. It provides service from the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza near the park's south entrance to the Mariposa Grove. The shuttle is seasonal, starting around April 2 and ending November 30.
• The Yosemite Valley Shuttle System takes visitors through various points in the valley including lodges, food services, campgrounds, and trailheads. It's available year-round, subject to weather, and with shorter hours come winter. During peak season, the buses arrive every 12 to 22 minutes from 7 A.M. to 10 P.M.
• The East Valley Shuttle connects Yosemite Village, Curry Village, Pines Campgrounds, and Trailheads in eastern Yosemite Valley. Buses arrive every 8 to 12 minutes and from 7 A.M. to 10 P.M.

I used the shuttle and while it was convenient, it got packed very quickly in July, which could mean waiting up to 30 minutes in line for the next one. (Somehow, I got lucky and never had to wait longer than 10 minutes!)

You also have the option to bike around the park! You can bring your own or you can rent a bike from any of the three locations in the park: Yosemite Valley Lodge, Curry Village, or Yosemite Village. The rental locations are open from 8 A.M  to 7 P.M., with the last bike rental of the day at 5:45 P.M.

You can choose among a few options in terms of your needs. Current rates include a full day for $40 for a standard bike or $75 for a bike with trailer to haul your gear.

Things to Do In Yosemite National Park

Probably the most sought hike in Yosemite National Park, Half Dome is the one visitors descend upon from all over the world to trek. It's not for the faint of heart, however. This hike requires a permit to tackle the steep ascent using cables near the summit. (If the cables are down, or you don't want to attempt them, no permit is required.) At the top, you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of the valley.

• Duration: 10 to 14 hours
• Length: 14 to 16 miles round-trip
• Skill Level: Very strenuous
• Elevation Gain: 4,800 feet

Yosemite Falls

The Falls trails are broken up into two sections. Lower Yosemite Falls is a quick easy walk through the forest until you reach a bridge, where you can watch the falls thundering down over giant rocks. If you don't mind getting wet, you can even climb the rocks to get close to it.

Upper Yosemite Falls is strenuous, but it takes you to the very top of the falls and you are rewarded with amazing views of the valley. FYI, Yosemite Falls is very popular and gets crowded quickly during peak season.

• Duration: 3 to 6 hours
• Length: 1-mile loop for Lower Falls, 7.2 miles round-trip for Upper Yosemite Fall Trail
• Skill Level: Easy (Lower) to strenuous (Upper)
• Elevation gain: 2,700 feet (Upper)

This iconic trail takes you up close to two breathtaking waterfalls, Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall, with misty sprays and scenic vistas. This hike is beautiful, but take your time. It gets steep and the rocks are very slippery due to the mist from the falls.

• Duration: 3 to 5 hours
• Length: 7.2 miles round-trip
• Skill Level: Moderate
• Elevation gain: 1,000 feet to Vernal Falls, 1,900 feet to Nevada Fall

Glacier Point

My favorite spot by far in Yosemite is Glacier Point. Starting at the Glacier Point trailhead or via the Four Mile Trail (see below), arriving at Glacier Point rewards you with panoramic views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and the High Sierra. You'll find a stunning view of Half Dome smack dab in the center—it's so close, you feel like you can jump on it. If you're like me, it might just bring you to tears!

• Duration: 4 to 6 hours
• Length: 9.6 miles round-trip
• Elevation Gain: 3,200 feet

Tuolumne Meadows and Lembert Dome

This hike takes you through the scenic Tuolumne Meadows and offers a climb to the top of Lembert Dome, providing sweeping views of the surrounding mountains.

• Duration: 2 to 4 hours
• Length: 2 to 5 miles round-trip
• Skill Level: Easy to moderate
• Elevation gain: 900 feet (if you climb to Lembert)

Four Mile Trail

This trail starts at Yosemite Valley and leads to Glacier Point where you'll enjoy breathtaking views of Yosemite Valley, El Capitan, and Half Dome.

• Skill level: Moderate to strenuous
• Elevation gain: 3,200 feet

Mariposa Grove

This trail explores the giant sequoias in Mariposa Grove, home to some of the largest trees on earth, including the famous Grizzly Giant and California Tunnel Tree.

• Duration: 2 to 3 hours
• Length: 0.3 to 7 miles round-trip
• Skill Level: Easy
• Elevation gain: Varies

Cathedral Lakes

This hike takes you to the stunning Cathedral Lakes, nestled beneath granite peaks. You'll encounter pristine alpine lakes and scenic vistas along the way.

• Duration: 5 to 7 hours
• Skill level: Moderate
• Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet

Clouds Rest

This challenging hike rewards you with 360-degree views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and the surrounding peaks from the summit of Clouds Rest. Some choose this hike as a worthwhile consolation prize if they cannot obtain permits to hike Half Dome.

• Duration: 7 to 10 hours
• Length: 14.5 miles round-trip
• Skill level: Strenuous
• Elevation gain: 3,100 feet

Panorama Trail

This trail offers an unforgettable journey from Glacier Point to Yosemite Valley, passing through (yes) panoramic viewpoints, waterfalls, and diverse landscapes.

• Duration: 6 to 8 hours
• Length: 8.5 miles round-trip

Additional Hikes

Craving more exploration? These Yosemite hikes are also worth your consideration:

• Mirror Lake Loop : 2 miles round-trip | Skill level: Easy
• Sentinel Dome : 2.2 miles round-trip | Skill level: Moderate
• Upper Gaylor Lake : 3.5 miles round-trip | Skill level: Moderate
• May Lake and Mount Hoffman : 5.2 miles round-trip | Skill level: Moderate to strenuous
• Chilnualna Falls : 8.2 miles round-trip | Skill level: Strenuous
• Hetch Hetchy Reservoir and Wapama Falls : 5.6 miles round-trip | Skill level: Moderate
• Taft Point and The Fissures : 2.2 miles round-trip | Skill level: Easy to moderate

Scenic Viewpoints and Drives

Tioga Road (Highway 120)

This scenic drive spans approximately 46 miles and takes you through the high country of Yosemite. You'll pass through meadows, alpine lakes, and granite peaks, and enjoy panoramic views along the way. Some of the notable viewpoints on Tioga Road include Olmsted Point and Tenaya Lake.

Keep in mind, this road always closes for winter. Make sure to double check the NPS website for the most up-to-date road closures.

Glacier Point Road

This 16-mile road takes you to Glacier Point, one of the most famous viewpoints in Yosemite. From here, you can admire stunning panoramic views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and the surrounding mountains. The road is typically open from late spring through fall.

Tunnel View

Have you ever seen a picture of Yosemite that shows all the granite rocks with a bunch of trees below? This is the spot and it's a must on your itinerary when visiting Yosemite National park.

Located near the Wawona Tunnel entrance, this viewpoint offers an awe-inspiring view of Yosemite Valley. From Tunnel view, you can see El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, Half Dome, and the valley's granite cliffs.

El Capitan is a massive granite monolith located in Yosemite National Park. It's one of the most famous landmarks in Yosemite and attracts climbers and sightseers from around the world. El Capitan stands approximately 3,000 feet above the floor of Yosemite Valley, and its sheer rock face is considered one of the ultimate challenges for rock climbers.

One of the best locations to get a cool view of El Capitan from below in Yosemite National Park is the El Capitan Meadow. It offers a relatively close vantage point and provides a stunning perspective of the sheer rock face.

To access the El Capitan Meadow, drive or take the free shuttle bus to the El Capitan Picnic Area parking lot. From there, take a short walk to the meadow. It's especially impressive during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset when the granite catches the beautiful light. Bring some chairs, sit back, and relax. You may see a few people climbing, so bring some binoculars as well!

Valley View

This viewpoint, located on Northside Drive near El Capitan, offers a picturesque scene of the Merced River flowing through Yosemite Valley. It's a great spot for capturing reflections of the surrounding cliffs and foliage.

Valley Floor Loop

The 13-mile Valley Floor Loop is a scenic drive that takes you around Yosemite Valley. You can experience the park's iconic landmarks, meadows, and forests from the comfort of your vehicle.

Other Activities in Yosemite

Visitor Centers

Yosemite National Park has several visitor centers that provide information exhibits, and educational resources to visitors.

• Yosemite Valley Visitor Center : Located in Yosemite Valley, this is the park's main visitor center.
• Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center : This visitor center in Tuolumne Meadows provides information specifically for the high country of Yosemite.
• Big Oak Flat Information Station : Situated near the Big Oak Flat entrance, this information station offers general park information, maps, and guidance for visitors entering Yosemite from the northwest.
• Wawona Visitor Center : If you enter Yosemite from the south, the Wawona center is the one that will greet you.

Rock Climbing

Yosemite is a renowned destination for rock climbing. Experienced climbers can challenge themselves on iconic granite formations such as El Capitan, Half Dome, and Cathedral Peak. Beginners should take advantage of the climbing schools and guides available for hire.

Yosemite Valley offers bike rentals and several paved trails within the park where you can enjoy cycling. Biking is a great way to explore the valley floor and its beautiful surroundings.

Ranger-Led Programs

Joining the many ranger-led programs is a fantastic way to learn more about the park's natural and cultural history. Options include guided walks, campfire programs, stargazing sessions, and educational presentations offered by park rangers.

Winter Sports

During the cold season, Yosemite transforms into a winter wonderland. Visitors can enjoy activities such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and ice skating (conditions permitting) in designated areas.

Water Activities

When things thaw out, the Merced River and various lakes within Yosemite offer opportunities for swimming, fishing, and rafting during certain seasons and water conditions. Remember to check for any restrictions or permits required for fishing.

Picnicking and Relaxation

Numerous picnic areas are available throughout Yosemite, providing peaceful spots to enjoy a meal amidst nature. Relax, unwind, and savor your lunch in the tranquility of the park.

What to Pack for Visiting Yosemite

There are some hiking essentials you'll want to bring, as you would on any hiking trip—such as a good backpack or daypack , first aid kit , sunscreen , and insect repellent —to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

After three visits to Yosemite, here are some other things I suggest you bring along.

• Clothing you can layer: Yosemite's temperatures can vary throughout the day and at different elevations, so dress in layers to accommodate changing weather conditions. Include items such as a lightweight jacket, long-sleeved shirts, pants, a hat, sunglasses, and sturdy footwear suitable for hiking or walking.
• Plenty of water and snacks : Don't forget to carry an adequate supply of water to stay hydrated during your visit. Snacks and/or a packed lunch are also recommended, especially if you plan on spending a significant amount of time exploring the park. If you don't bring enough or forgot, there are several stores in the valley where you can purchase additional water and snacks, but my advice is to bring your own as the valley store can be expensive!
• Park pass: Ensure you have a valid Yosemite National Park pass or pay the entrance fee when you arrive. This pass provides access to the park and supports its conservation efforts. FYI, some facilities within the park may accept only cash, so it's recommended to carry some cash for small purchases. However, major credit and debit cards are generally accepted in most locations.
• Navigation tools : Cell service is poor, so I recommend carrying a detailed map or guidebook of the park and a compass to help you navigate trails and find points of interest. (I bring a whistle that has a built-in compass.) A GPS device or smartphone with offline maps can also be useful; be sure to download them before entering the park.

Can I Bring My Dog to Yosemite?

Pets are allowed in Yosemite, but with limitations in order to protect them, other people, and wildlife. Dogs are permitted in developed areas, on fully paved roads, sidewalks, and bicycle paths (except when signage says otherwise), and in some campgrounds but not walk-in or group campsites.

Keep in mind that pets are not allowed:

• On many trails, including the trail to Vernal Fall, even if carried (Pets are allowed on the Wawona Meadow Loop)
• On unplowed roads covered in snow
• In undeveloped and wilderness areas
• In public buildings
• On shuttle buses
• In lodging areas
• In all walk-in and group campgrounds/campsites, including camp 4
• In any other areas, as signed

Is a Trip to Yosemite National Park Worth It?

Without a doubt, it's  so worth it! I've found Yosemite's beauty unparalleled and it truly inspires awe and appreciation for the wonders of the natural world.

With so many trails, viewpoints, and activities, there's something for everyone at this park. As noted, Yosemite's popularity means that certain areas and trails can become crowded, especially during peak seasons. Planning ahead, making reservations when required, and exploring lesser-known areas of the park can help enhance your experience.

READ MORE: The Ultimate Guide To Visiting Arches National Park

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Yosemite National Park   Travel Guide

Courtesy of 4kodiak | Getty Images

Best Times To Visit Yosemite National Park

The best times to visit Yosemite are May and September, when the park is accessible, but not too crowded. It's important to know that many roads and trails in Yosemite are closed for the majority of the year due to snow. Snow can come as early as October and arrives in full force in November, typically remaining until March. But just because the snowstorms stop in March doesn't necessarily mean closed parts of the park suddenly swing their doors open. Depending on conditions, all seasonally closed roads and trails don't open until May or June.

Seasonal park closures are precisely why so many travelers visit during the summer months, making it the park's busiest time of year (think packed trails, road traffic, sky-high hotel rates and more). To avoid this, the best time to visit is before or after the summer crowds come, which is typically late May and September. Late May and early June is the best time to view waterfalls, roaring from freshly melted snow, and September offers cooler temperatures ideal for hiking (summer temps can reach the 80s). If the only time you can visit is during the summer, be sure to book several months in advance. Campsites are known to reach capacity the moment they become available for booking. If you're looking for a bargain on accommodations, winter is the best time to visit Yosemite. 

Weather in Yosemite National Park

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

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Popular Times to Visit Yosemite National Park

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We will be travelling after the 20th of August and on the Yosemite park website we saw that we need to make a reservation only if travelling on weekends. So from Monday to Friday you don't need to make a reservation, did I understand correctly?

Also since we want to see 3 parks, is jt better to get one pass for all 3 instead of single passes?

21/08 - drive from SF to Yosemite, visit park in the afternoon.

Sleep.in a near by town

22/08 - visit Yosemite in the morning, after lunch drive towards Sequoia park. Visit park on same day?

Sleep in a near by town

23/08 - visit Sequoia park and drive to death valley? O drive directly to death valley

We would also like to see Mammoth Lake, but I don't know if it is too juch on the same day.

What do you recommend? Any tips are really helpful.

5 replies to this topic

Correct - a Peak Hours Entry Permit is not required during the week for your visit.

I suggest rearranging your draft itinerary. How much time do you actually have? Are you hikers? Just walkers?

Also note that it is more clear to use the name of the month since we write dates differently.

Thurs Aug 22: Focus on Yosemite Valley . Stay in Yosemite Valley, if possible. If not, try for Yosemite View Lodge in El Portal. Maybe go up to Glacier Point for sunset (expect at least an hour drive from Yosemite Valley.)

Fri Aug 23: Enjoy Tioga Road & its attractions including Olmsted Point, Tenaya Lake, and Tuolumne Meadows. Exit via Tioga Pass Entrance and drive to Mammoth Lakes.

Sat Aug 24: Enjoy the 'attractions' of Mammoth that are on your short list, continue on a drive through visit of HOT Death Valley. Some visitors enjoy staying in DVNP, and some can't stand the extreme heat. Ask on the Death Valley forum for summer tips.

Hello, thank you for the tips. I will check the places you said and get back to you.

We are walkers, so yes difficult hikes are not possible for us

We want to spend 3 days visiting the parks and then go to wards LA.

Three days ... four nights? Leave SF on Aug 21 and arrive in LA on ____?

Leave SF on Aug 21 and arrive in LA on 24

Three destinations in three nights. Good luck with that. That is a trip for admiring asphalt.

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Environment | Yosemite reservations will begin Saturday –…

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Environment | Yosemite reservations will begin Saturday — here’s how they work

Famed sierra nevada national park will limit the number of vehicles in an attempt to reduce crowding.

Hope to visit Yosemite this year? Starting this Saturday, you’ll need a reservation to drive into the park.

Joining Rocky Mountain, Arches, Muir Woods and a growing number of other national parks, Yosemite National Park will require day-use reservations for the next six months. It’s part of a test program aimed at limiting the large crowds that led to traffic jams as long as three hours last summer, and which have plagued the scenic Sierra Nevada destination for decades on busy weekends.

The idea is popular with environmental groups, but opposed by businesses in the surrounding communities.

Here are the basics:

Q: Why are Yosemite officials doing this?

A: Last year, 325 million people visited America’s national parks. During weekends and summer months, the most popular ones can receive huge crowds. Yosemite officials imposed a temporary reservation system in 2020 and 2021 to reduce crowd sizes during the COVID pandemic, and in 2022 because many of the park’s main roads and facilities were closed due to construction upgrades.

Last summer, there were no reservations required for day-use visitors. Traffic jams on summer weekends snarled roads for miles. People parked illegally in meadows. Bathrooms were overwhelmed. Parking lots were full, and visitors circled Yosemite Valley for hours. Parks officials drew up a pilot program for this year and said their goal is to make the trip to see Yosemite’s famed waterfalls, massive granite walls and scenic forests more enjoyable.

“We are hopeful that our test pilot for 2024 will prove fruitful in providing a great visitor experience and protecting these resources, which is what we try to do every day here,” said Yosemite Superintendent Cicely Muldoon during a public meeting on the plan in February.

Q: OK, how will it work?

A: From April 13 through June 30: A reservation is required to drive into the park from 5 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays (May 27 and June 19). A reservation is not required on other days.

July 1 through Aug. 16: A reservation is required to drive into the park every day from 5 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Aug. 17 through Oct. 27: A reservation is required from 5 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays (Sept. 2 and Oct. 14). A reservation is not required on other days.

There are two types of reservations: full day and half day, with arrival at noon or later. Each is valid for up to three consecutive days.

Q: How much does it cost?

A: The current park entrance fee is $35 per vehicle, regardless of how many people are in the vehicle. There is a $2 service fee added for the reservation.

Q: Where can I make a reservation?

A: Go to Recreation.gov

If you don’t have computer access, you can call (877) 444-6777 to make a reservation.

Q: Are same-day reservations available? Can I wait at an entrance station and drive into the park if people with reservations don’t show up?

A: No. Reservations will not be available at the entrance stations, park officials say. You can check Recreation.gov before arriving at the park to see if any reservations have become available due to cancellation, but internet access can be spotty on the rural roads near Yosemite. It’s better to book ahead.

Q: What if I have booked a hotel or campsite inside the park?

A: Then you won’t need a reservation to drive your vehicle into the park.

You’ll still pay the $35-per-car entrance fee upon arrival (credit card only). But a reservation for in-park lodging or camping, a Half Dome permit, or a wilderness permit allows anyone to enter the park for the duration of their reservation or for three consecutive days, whichever is longer.

People who stay in hotels or vacation rentals outside the park will still need to make a vehicle reservation to enter.

Q: Are there any the tips to get around the rules?

A: You can visit Yosemite any time without a reservation if you show up very early or come late in the day. The park is open 24 hours a day. Vehicles arriving before 5 a.m. are not required to have reservations. Nor are vehicles arriving after 4 p.m.

But don’t arrive before 4 p.m. and plan to sit by the side of the road. Rangers say they will write tickets for motorists who do that.

Also, if you enter Yosemite via YARTS (Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System) buses, on a bicycle, on foot or on horseback, or if you visit the Hetch Hetchy reservoir portion of the park, you don’t need a reservation to enter the park. Park entrance fees still apply.

Also, the National Park Service began taking reservations for this summer on Jan. 5. But there are still plenty available. Additional reservations will be available seven days before the arrival date (for example, an arrival date of June 27 will have more reservations open June 20) starting at 8 a.m. Pacific time on Recreation.gov.

Q: Is this a permanent thing?

A: Unclear. The park is working on a “visitor access management plan” that will involve public hearings this summer. A draft plan is expected out next year, with more public hearings then. Park planners are looking at things like reconfiguring park entrances, setting up contactless entrance systems, expanding bicycle routes, parking lots and shuttle bus services.

Whether day-use reservations continue to be required may also depend on who wins the presidential election. The reservation system has been put in place by the Biden administration, and is supported by environmental groups. It is mostly opposed by business leaders in the nearby communities, and Rep. Tom McClintock, R-Modesto, whose district includes Yosemite. If Donald Trump wins the presidency, the reservation plan could well be scrapped.

Q: I have an annual or lifetime pass that gives me free entrance. Do I need a reservation to drive in during peak hours?

A: Yes. The annual and lifetime passes cover the park entrance fee. The $2 reservation fee still applies to day use reservations.

Q: Where can I get more information?

A: At Yosemite National Park’s website, at www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/reservations.htm

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Incredible Images Of Yosemite Through The Ages

Posted: February 1, 2024 | Last updated: February 1, 2024

A granite masterpiece

The crown jewel of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, Yosemite is one of California’s – and America’s – most precious landscapes. Located around 140 miles from the city of San Francisco, this spectacular site played a pivotal role in the shaping of America’s national park system, and is today one of the most popular national parks in the world. Here we document its mesmerizing story, from its many natural wonders to modern man-made threats.

Click through this gallery to discover the history of Yosemite, and how to get the best out of your visit today…

Humans lived here long before national parks existed

Archaeological studies of the Yosemite Valley show that Native Americans have lived in this part of modern-day California for around 5,500 years. The peoples of the Southern Sierra Miwuk Nation were the main Indigenous inhabitants of what is now the national park, with Yosemite translating as “those who are killers” in the language of the Miwuk. This name refers to the Ahwahneechee, a mixed tribe including Miwuk and Mono Paiute peoples who resided in Yosemite Valley.

The Gold Rush changed everything

The natural sanctuary offered by the valley's seclusion afforded its Indigenous residents some protection against Mexican, Spanish and other European-American colonists, but the California Gold Rush of 1848 marked a troubling turning point in Yosemite’s history. Thousands of miners and settlers descended upon the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, and tensions came to a head in 1851 when the Mariposa Battalion (sanctioned by the new state of California) burned the villages of the Miwuk peoples and took their ancestral lands. This 1855 drawing of Yosemite Valley is by Thomas Ayres.

The protection of Yosemite was a first for America

In the years that followed, continued commercial exploitation as a result of mining, animal grazing and tourism gradually devastated the Yosemite Valley ecosystem. In 1864 a group of conservationists convinced President Abraham Lincoln to declare the valley, together with the Mariposa Grove of giant sequoias (pictured), a public trust of California. This was the first time in US history that the government acted to protect land for public enjoyment – meaning that Yosemite paved the way for the national park movement.

But it wasn’t officially the country’s first national park

At the time of Yosemite’s designation as a national park on October 1, 1890, the American national park system was in its earliest days. Yellowstone became the country’s first official national park on March 1, 1872, followed by Mackinac Island three years later (though it was later reclassified as a state park). Sequoia National Park was then established on September 25, 1890 – a week before Yosemite. Here’s a photo from 1890 showing a couple of local waitresses dancing atop Yosemite's Glacier Point.

A Scotsman was instrumental in its foundation

Yosemite’s inauguration came after the environmentalist John Muir and his colleagues lobbied for President Benjamin Harrison to save the meadows surrounding Yosemite Valley from unregulated sheep grazing in 1889, which had contributed to habitat damage and the spread of disease among native species. Muir was born in Scotland but relocated to Wisconsin, and fell in love with the Californian countryside when he visited for the first time in 1868. He wrote that "no temple made with hands can compare with Yosemite." But the lauded conservationist remains a controversial figure given his use of racist slurs.

He took the president camping

In 1890, Congress allocated over 1,500 square miles of land (roughly the size of Rhode Island) for what would become Yosemite National Park. The state-controlled Yosemite Valley and Mariposa Grove were added to the park in 1906, after President Theodore Roosevelt traveled to California in 1903 and requested that John Muir join him on a camping trip. Roosevelt, having slept under the gargantuan sequoias of Mariposa Grove, echoed Muir’s sentiments and compared the experience to "lying in a great solemn cathedral."

The park is home to one of California's original mountain resort hotels

One of the first accommodations in Yosemite National Park was the Wawona Hotel (pictured). The Victorian lodge still welcomes guests today and is a National Historic Landmark. It is remembered as one of the Golden State’s original mountain resort hotels – Teddy Roosevelt famously visited – and is one of the only original hotels in Yosemite still standing. The earliest structure on the site, a humble log cabin, was built in the mid-19th century by former gold prospector Galen Clark, who was the first guardian of the Yosemite Grant.

Trails and tribulations

In the days before cars arrived in Yosemite, the journey here from San Francisco was nothing short of an expedition. It started with a boat to Stockton and continued with a rickety stagecoach to Mariposa or Coulterville, followed by a ride on one of several horse trails. The establishment of more developed trails revolutionized travel to and through Yosemite: there are now roughly 800 miles of trails that knit through the park, with some of the earliest first trodden by Native Americans. 

The road to greatness

The advent of roads in Yosemite began with wagon routes completed in the mid-1870s, with stagecoaches full of tourists filing into the park via three new toll roads. But in 1900, an automobile (the steam-powered 'locomobile' pictured) chugged into the national park for the first time. Annual visitors rose from around 3,000 in 1885 to over 30,000 by 1915, owing to the introduction of car access, more sophisticated highways and the (since discontinued) railroad. The number of yearly tourists surpassed half a million in 1940 and first breached the one-million threshold in 1954.

Buffalo soldiers pioneered the NPS ranger hat

Before the emergence of America’s National Park Service (NPS) in 1916, looking after Yosemite fell to the military, often to so-called buffalo soldiers. These men were African-American veterans of the Spanish-American War who, while serving overseas in rainy conditions, had learned to pinch their domed, wide-brimmed hats into symmetrical quadrants to keep water out of their faces. This 'Montana Peak' style continued when the soldiers began managing Yosemite, and was eventually incorporated into the official NPS ranger uniform. In this photo, Yosemite ranger Shelton Johnson wears the uniform of a buffalo soldier on the 150th anniversary of the Yosemite Grant.

Rangers were vital to the protection and preservation of the park

This famous image from 1899 shows around 40 members from Troop F of the US 6th Cavalry posing with their trusted steeds in Yosemite National Park. The tree they surround is the Fallen Monarch, believed to have been toppled some 300 years ago; it still lies in Mariposa Grove today and can be seen along the Big Trees Loop trail. Federal troops such as these helped police trespassing, livestock grazing and clear-cutting in Yosemite between 1891 and 1913. In 1918, Clare Marie Hodges became the first female ranger to serve at the park.

Yosemite could have hosted the 1932 Winter Olympics

Inspired by his visit to the 1928 Winter Olympics, held in the Swiss resort of St Moritz, longstanding Yosemite grandee Don Tresidder spearheaded the national park’s bid to host the tournament’s next chapter. To help market Yosemite as 'the Switzerland of the West,' an ice-skating rink, toboggan runs, a ski jump and an 800-foot snow slide were created specifically for the campaign. However, along with several other American candidates, Yosemite lost out to Lake Placid in New York.

The dark side of tourism

Through the 1960s Yosemite felt the weight of its reputation as an increasingly sought-after tourist destination. Eighty-eight years after a tunnel was cut through its trunk as a visitor attraction and photo opportunity, the Wawona Tree (pictured here in 1946) fell during the winter of 1968-69. The national park was also a known gathering place for nature-loving, free-spirited Californians, with one newspaper at the time claiming there were "more hippies than bears" in Yosemite. 

Yosemite: caught on camera

The beauty of Yosemite has captured the imagination of countless creatives down the decades. One of the most notable was the landscape photographer Ansel Adams (1902-1984), who dedicated years of his life to documenting the park. His monochrome images of Yosemite – especially this one,  Monolith, the Face of Half Dome , taken in 1927 – brought him immense critical acclaim. The Ansel Adams Gallery in Yosemite Village is still operated by the Adams family.

Other artists' impressions of Yosemite

Images of Yosemite didn’t just help promote its stunning sights to the wider world, they also contributed to the foundation of the Yosemite Grant in the park's early history. Works by artists and photographers like Thomas Ayres, Albert Bierstadt, Thomas Hill, Carleton Watkins and Charles Leander Weed were offered as evidence that Congress and President Lincoln needed to sign the grant into law. Pictured here is an 1866 painting of Mount Starr King by Albert Bierstadt, who visited Yosemite in 1863 to make sketches, before returning to his New York studio to transform them into ethereal color scenes.

Its unique geology is recognized by UNESCO

While Yosemite’s human history dates back almost six millennia, its natural history is much, much older. Some of the granite rock formations that punctuate this scenic landscape date back more than 100 million years, born out of glaciers and eons of slow erosion that have also sculpted its yawning valleys. Many of its tallest mountains exceed 10,000 feet, including Mount Lyell, which at 13,114 feet is the highest peak in the national park. This, along with the park's enormous waterfalls and towering trees, helped secure Yosemite World Heritage Site status in 1984.

A 21st-century restoration project split opinion

Announced in 2000, the big-budget Yosemite Valley Plan was the largest restoration effort to be mounted since the national park was declared in 1890. Its aim was to reduce human footprint in the park by pruning parking spaces, relocating campgrounds and roads, renovating accommodation, rebuilding houses wiped out by flooding and improving shuttle buses. It also included building wooden walkways over wetland meadows and demolishing an old river dam so water could flow freely again. While many welcomed the developments, others were critical of its impact on visitor freedom and on archaeological sites.

What to expect today

Today, Yosemite National Park attracts well over three million visitors annually, who travel from all corners of the globe to see its towering trees, dramatic waterfalls and majestic granite geology for themselves. There are five different entrances to the park – four on the western side and one, the Tioga Pass entrance, on the more remote eastern side. Note that reservations for driving into or through the park and using its campgrounds are required at certain points in the year, so always check the NPS website ahead of your trip.

Meet the captain

El Capitan (pictured) is the literal rock star of Yosemite. Standing at more than 3,000 feet tall, this hulking granite monolith rises to more than twice the height of the Empire State Building. Another of the park’s most striking geological landmarks is Half Dome, nearly 5,000 feet above the valley floor, which can, like El Capitan, be climbed for unreal views over the majestic landscape. To get Half Dome in the frame of your photo head to Glacier Point for the best perspective. Tunnel View, perhaps the most photographed view in the national park, features El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall and Half Dome in the distance.

Admire gentle giants

Aside from mind-blowing rock formations, Yosemite is also renowned for its ancient sequoias. It’s believed that the oldest sequoia here could be more than 3,000 years old, and there are three groves of imposing, red-barked trees you can visit – the Mariposa Grove, the Tuolumne Grove and the Merced Grove. One of the largest and best-loved residents of the Mariposa Grove is the affectionately named Grizzly Giant (pictured), estimated to be 2,900 years old. Giant sequoia trees can only be found on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada, making the groves at Yosemite all the more enticing.

Bear witness to a commanding cascade

Yosemite Falls is an epic, triple-tier waterfall in the heart of the national park. One of the world’s tallest waterfalls, it has a combined drop of 2,425 feet and can be seen from a number of spots in the Yosemite Valley, with particularly good visibility from Yosemite Village and Yosemite Valley Lodge. A one-mile loop trail leads visitors to the base of Lower Yosemite Fall, or you can hike right to the top if you have a whole day to spare and legs of steel. To catch Yosemite’s many waterfalls in full flow, time your visit for spring.

The fabled Yosemite 'firefall' wasn't always a natural phenomenon

A tradition that began in the early 1870s, Glacier Point hotel owner James McCauley, having regaled guests with tales around the campfire, would then kick glowing embers over the side of the cliff, resulting in a fiery cascade. This put on a spellbinding show for the people below, who were soon paying McCauley for the experience. This somewhat dangerous attraction continued on and off until 1968 when the NPS put a stop to it. However, on occasional February evenings, the water of Horsetail Fall seemingly turns amber when back-lit by the sunset, reminiscent of the historic practice.

It’s not the only rare spectacle in Yosemite

Visit the national park on a late-winter or early-spring morning and you might encounter frazil ice – an unusual phenomenon that occurs when ice crystals collect in freezing, turbulent waters. At Yosemite, it’s often caused by waterfall mist freezing mid-air and dropping into the park’s babbling creeks, before flowing downstream like cotton-white lava. It’s difficult to predict exactly when frazil ice might appear, but Yosemite Creek, Ribbon Creek and Sentinel Creek are some of the best places to glimpse it when it does.

Yosemite’s climate is changing

The national park has had a trying couple of years where extreme weather and natural disasters are concerned. In summer 2022, smoke from California’s devastating Oak Fire blew into Yosemite, turning its skies murky-grey and marring its typically unspoilt panoramas. Then came the winter of 2023 and an onslaught of historic storms that saw the park temporarily close after snowfall broke a 54-year-old daily record. Yosemite has been called "ground zero for climate change," with endangered wildlife species, shrinking glaciers, rising temperatures and drought.

A vast percentage of Yosemite goes unseen by tourists

According to Visit California, 95% of those that come to Yosemite only see 5% of the park. Most of the park lies within the bounds of Tuolumne and Mariposa counties, and both areas boast abundant natural wonders, heritage-rich towns and other appealing attractions. To discover Yosemite’s best-kept secrets, it’s worth exploring beyond the famous Yosemite Valley and venturing deeper into these counties. So, if you’ve finished basking in the beauty of El Capitan, we’ve got some suggestions for where to go next...

Hetch Hetchy Reservoir

2023 marked the centennial of the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir and the O’Shaughnessy Dam, which were created following the 1906 San Francisco earthquake to service the city with drinking water. While its purpose is practical, the reservoir also represents one of Yosemite's finest hidden gems. Filling the valley of the same name (which stems from the Native American Miwuk word 'hatchhatchie,' meaning 'edible grasses'), the artificial lake is surrounded by soaring silver cliffs and two of North America’s tallest waterfalls, Tueeulala and Wapama Falls. Hetch Hetchy is wonderfully peaceful, receiving only 1% of total park visitation.

Tuolumne Meadows

In 1870, the Tuolumne Meadows were overrun and over-grazed by as many as 15,000 sheep. But nowadays they form a diverse landscape that houses a remarkable number of vivid plant species. Because of this, Tuolumne Meadows has emerged as a highly valued ecosystem and is one of the most visually satisfying places in Yosemite, offering its trickle of visitors a true back-to-nature experience. Rimmed on all sides by the park’s iconic granite peaks and domes, this subalpine meadow is a breath of fresh air.

Go deeper into the Yosemite counties

In both Mariposa County and Tuolumne County, remnants of the California Gold Rush are never far from view. Old mining hubs like Mariposa’s historic downtown and Groveland (pictured) stand today as living museums, peppered with historic courthouses, saloons and inns. But there are more modern attractions in and around the gateways to Yosemite too, such as the Yosemite Climbing Museum and Gallery in Mariposa. Opened in 2022, it displays fascinating artifacts, photographs and memorabilia that avid rock climbers will love.

Learn about Yosemite's Indigenous peoples

The Mariposa Museum and History Center sets out to preserve and interpret local culture, with an emphasis on the Gold Rush and the region’s Native American heritage. You’ll discover what life was like for the Indigenous tribes living in Yosemite long before its national park status, and the museum’s collection includes an umacha – a traditional tipi-shaped house clad in cedar bark – and an array of intricately woven baskets. At the Indian Village of the Ahwahnee (pictured), a reconstructed Native American settlement features replicas of a ceremonial roundhouse, a Miwuk cabin and a chief’s house.

Rest your head in a royal bed

Opened in the 1920s, the Ahwahnee Hotel has hosted presidents, monarchs and Hollywood stars in its time, as well as inspiring aspects of the Overlook Hotel in the film adaptation of Stephen King’s The Shining . Today's guests can book a stay in the Ahwahnee's Mary Curry Tresidder Suite, which is where the late Queen Elizabeth II stayed during her 1983 tour of California. The hotel was also used as a Second World War military hospital for those afflicted with shell shock.

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After five years of closure, ‘glamping’ back again in Yosemite National Park

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After five years of pandemic- and snowpack-related closures, Yosemite National Park has reopened “glamping” campsites where visitors will have access to showers, gourmet meals and a view of the park’s wild back country.

Camping hopefuls can now enter a lottery to experience three of the five available campsites at the High Sierra Camps from June to September.

The two other sites, Vogelsang and Merced Lake — respectively the highest elevation campsite and the oldest and most remote campsite, established in 1916 — will remain closed throughout the 2024 season. Neither park officials nor Aramark, the park’s concessioner, could be reached to explain why these two campsites remain closed.

According to their website, more than 13,000 visitors stay at the High Sierra Camps each year, and another thousand backpackers passing through each year stop for food at the campsites.

“Glamping,” a more comfortable or glamorous version of camping, has grown in popularity in the past couple of decades. Visitors have the option of paying $1,403 for a guided tour of the park with a weeklong stay, or paying $172 to $185 per night to reserve a bed.

‘Bring a shovel’: Yosemite partly reopens after blizzard brings as much as 45 inches of snow

Yosemite Valley — the most popular part of Yosemite National Park — received about 25 inches of snow. Winds hit 50 to 60 miles per hour.

March 3, 2024

There’s been controversy among certain environmentalists who take a hard line against any type of development in the pristine wilderness, said Jane Simpson, chair of the leadership training program at the Angeles Chapter of the Sierra Club. But Simpson said she is glad to hear that the campsites are reopening to the public this year.

“The experience is phenomenal,” said Simpson, recalling her own High Sierra Camp visit back in 2015. “The people are very hyper aware of their impact.”

As an avid hiker and backpacker herself, Simpson is used to having to carry all of her own supplies when visiting Yosemite National Park. But the amenities of the High Sierra Camps allow visitors to leave behind tents and cooking necessities, as they have running water and three meals a day prepared by professional chefs.

On their website, Aramark and the national park service express their commitment to protecting the environment. “We take our role as stewards very seriously and actively work to protect the resources for generations to come,” says the website for the High Sierra Camps.

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Jeff Jenkins, assistant professor of parks and protected areas at UC Merced’s Sierra Nevada Research Institute, said that the National Park Service has to strike a balance between protecting national parks and making them accessible to everyone.

“I remember we saw a woman hiking the route of these High Sierra Camps that was pushing 90,” Jenkins recalled when his family stayed at the High Sierra Camps together. “She was able to get out there too.” First-time, inexperienced campers, the elderly, and families might prefer to stay at the High Sierra Camps because of the amenities.

By having designated areas where semi-permanent shelters are set up, Jenkins said, the “sacrifice zones” allow for a much larger swath of wilderness to remain untouched. “Impact has been constrained to mostly the trail corridor and these areas of the wilderness, these hotspots,” said Jenkins.

The urgency of mitigating human impact on the environment has forced the National Park Service to innovate by adding features like the bear-proof lockers that prevent bears from finding easy food sources near human dwellings, Jenkins noted.

But the debate around these High Sierra Camps isn’t anything new. Dave White, the director of global institute of sustainability and innovation at Arizona State University, describes it as the “fundamental paradox” of the national parks as they balance access and protection.

White said the social and cultural impact of visiting parks also helps to shift the conversation around sustainability and changing personal habits to preserve the environment. For visitors, “it helps them to have greater awareness and understanding about critical environmental issues that we’re facing, including things like climate change,” he said.

The wonder of Yosemite National Park never grows old for White, who has visited several times. “It is some of the most spectacular natural beauty that exists anywhere in the world,” he said. White said it’s the scale of the natural features, and the history of the Indigenous tribes who were violently forced off the lands to make Yosemite, that still humble him today.

“When you’re there, you just feel as a human, you feel insignificant in an important way,” said White.

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First-timer’s guide to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

Apr 18, 2024 • 11 min read

The scale and ferocity of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is a wonder to experience © Yiming Chen / Getty Images

Unsurprisingly, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on Hawaiʻi Island is one of the state’s most popular attractions.

This incredible landscape is home to two massive volcanoes – Kīlauea being one of the world’s most active – and stretches from sea level to the summit of Mauna Loa, one of the world’s largest. Sprawling across 333,259 acres on the island's southeastern side, the park is one of the most dynamic and diverse in the US.

Its ever-changing landscape boasts an assortment of terrain, from lush rainforests and barren lava fields to a volcano often dusted with snow every winter. Yes, even in Hawaiʻi!

So grab those hiking boots and binoculars and use our insider guide to get the most out of your first trip to this unique national park.

When is the best time to visit Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park? 

There isn’t an especially bad time to visit the park, which sees nearly two million visitors annually. The weather on the Islands doesn’t vary much, with temperatures fluctuating between 66-85°F throughout the year. Winter and early spring, though, tend to be rainier and cooler than other times of the year and hurricane season runs from June to November, which can mean tropical storms, whipping winds and torrential rain.

The busiest travel seasons in Hawaiʻi are summer and winter – summer is peak vacation time for families and winter lures travelers eager to escape colder climes. Expect more people on trails and longer waits for parking during these periods.

Spring and fall are slower travel months and ideal times to visit the park. Trekking conditions are much more comfortable without the intense summer heat and you’ll likely find better airfare prices and hotel rates at nearby hotels. The park does get a surge of visitors during spring break and around the weekend of the annual Merrie Monarch Festival , a week-long hula competition based in Hilo around late March or early April.

Tuesday is the busiest day at the park – pick another day if at all possible. This is when the Pride of America , a cruise ship that sails around the Islands, docks in Hilo. Many of its 2000 passengers head to the national park, hitting popular stops like the Kīlauea Visitor Center , the Kīlauea Iki Trail , and Nāhuku (otherwise known as Thurston Lava Tube ). Winter brings yet more cruise ships to Hawaiʻi Island as thousands of North Pacific humpback whales migrate annually from Alaska to the warmer waters surrounding the Islands.

Though Kīlauea stopped erupting on Sept 16, 2023, the volcano still attracts visitors despite no visible lava fountains or flows. And it’s likely it will erupt again – the Puʻuʻōʻō eruption, which began in 1983 and lasted 35 years, ranks as the longest and most voluminous known outpouring of lava from Kīlauea’s east rift zone in more than 500 years. “If there is an eruption,” says Jessica Ferracane, the park’s spokesperson, “it is busy all day, every day, especially if it’s at the summit of Kīlauea.”

Planning tip: The park is currently undergoing a big disaster recovery project following the 2018 Kīlauea eruption and summit collapse. There could be temporary area closures, lane closures, reduced parking and other limited services for the next two years. Check the park website to check for construction closures and delays . 

Find out everything you need to know about what's happening in Hawaii throughout the year in  our guide to the best time to visit the Aloha State

How much time should I plan to spend at the park?

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park may not be as huge as Alaska’s 13.2-million-acre Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve – larger than Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite National Park and Switzerland combined – but it does stretch from sea level to the summit of 13,681-ft Mauna Loa and across seven different ecological zones. You’ll need at least a full day to explore all the best parts of the park but two days are even better. 

Park staff recommend that visitors arrive by sunrise to hit the park’s most popular trails first – it's open 24 hours to allow everyone to maximize their time. Dusk is also a wonderful time to go exploring – the lack of light pollution provides dark skies that are perfect for stargazing.

There are a variety of hikes within the national park, from the easy 1.2-mile Kīpukapuaulu Trail to the challenging backcountry treks up Mauna Loa that can take two days. And having an extra day means you can visit the park’s quieter and less crowded Kahuku Unit on the southerly slopes of Mauna Loa. This 116,000-acre former ranchland is about an hour's drive from the Kīlauea Visitor Center and is open to the public five days a week. You can hike to the top of an old cinder cone, trek through a pristine Hawaiian rainforest or bike through scenic pastures with panoramic views of the ranchlands.

The tiny town of Volcano Village just outside the park is also well worth a visit, with its laid-back eateries and food trucks, art galleries, and  a vineyard and winery .

Is it easy to get in and around the park?

The nearest airport is Hilo International, about 30 miles northeast of the park (you can fly into the Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole, but the drive from Kailua-Kona will take about two hours). Getting to the park from Hilo is easy – take Route 11 (Hawaiʻi Belt Road) west until you reach the main entrance. The drive takes about 45 minutes.

Hele-On Bus is the island’s only public bus service, operated by Hawaiʻi County. The No. 11 Red Line runs between Hilo and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, stopping daily at the Kīlauea Visitor Center. The bus schedule is subject to change, so check ahead. There is no public transportation or shuttle service within the park, so you’ll need a car to get around.

Top things to do at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

Kīlauea iki trail.

One of the most popular hikes in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is the 4-mile roundtrip Kīlauea Iki Trail. The terrain is varied – it starts in a forest of native ʻōhiʻa trees and hapuʻu (Hawaiian tree fern) and ends with a walk across an otherworldly crater floor – and it’s short enough to complete in a few hours, giving you plenty of time to visit other parts of the park.

The trailhead is at an overlook of the crater formed from an eruption in 1959 that was marked by fountaining lava over a half-mile long and a plume reaching a world-record 1900ft high. The first part of the trail is a descent through a lush rainforest lined with native ʻōhiʻa and koa trees. Look for the white-rumped ʻapapanae , a nectarivorous Hawaiian honeycreeper, often found flitting from tree to tree. The switchbacks end at the crater floor, a vast moonscape that sharply contrasts with the surrounding native forests.

This lava tube – also known as Thurston Lava Tube – was created by a river of 2000°F (1093°C) molten lava about 500 years ago. Discovered in 1913, this massive lava cave is very accessible, with a flat rock floor and ceiling height of more than 20ft in places. Electric lights illuminate most of the path, though you may want to bring a flashlight – it takes about 20 minutes to stroll through the tube. The rainforest that surrounds Nāhuku is brimming with native birds, including the scarlet ʻiʻiwi , a Hawaiian honeycreeper listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.

Hōlei Sea Arch

At the end of the Chain of Craters Road – about 18 miles from the Kīlauea Visitor Center – is the Hōlei Sea Arch , a 90-ft-tall rock formation cut into the cliff of an ancient lava flow about 550 years ago. In 2020, the park opened a new viewing area about 1000ft past the gate at the end of the road and set back away from the cliff edge.

Puʻuloa Petroglyphs

There’s an area of Pānau Nui on the southern flank of Kīlauea with numerous pecked images, or petroglyphs, in the hardened lava. Puʻuloa, which translates to “long hill” in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (the Hawaiian language), is a sacred place to Native Hawaiians. The archaeological site here boasts more than 23,000 petroglyphs – the largest collection in Hawaiʻi – with motifs of circles, canoe sails, human forms, feathered capes and other geometric shapes.

Devastation Trail

This half-mile hike is suitable for everyone as it's wheelchair and stroller accessible. The paved path meanders through a stark yet beautiful landscape buried by falling cinder from lava fountains of the 1959 Kīlauea Iki eruption. You might find volcanic debris in the form of glass-like droplets and strands called Pele’s Tears and Pele’s Hair, respectively, named after the revered Hawaiian goddess of fire and volcanoes. Nēnē (Hawaiian geese) frequent this area; refrain from feeding or interacting with this threatened species.

My favorite thing to do at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

Unfortunately, there aren’t many places in Hawaiʻi where you find native forest birds anymore. Their populations have plummeted due to habitat destruction, predators like feral cats, mongoose and non-native mosquitoes that spread avian pox and avian malaria.

But at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, where native habitats are protected and able to thrive, you can see – and hear – a variety of these special birds, from the friendly ʻelepaio (Hawaiian flycatcher) to the elusive ʻōmaʻo (Hawaiian thrush), which can only be found in the montane rainforests on Hawaiʻi Island. The bright orange ʻākepa , an endangered Hawaiian honeycreeper with an odd-shaped beak, can be spotted in the high-elevation forests of the park’s Kahuku Unit. And if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the endemic ʻio , the only hawk species native to Hawaiʻi.

I love wandering along the 1.2-mile Kīpukapuaulu Trail, an easy loop through pristine native forestland in an area known as a “bird park.” A kīpuka is an area of land that’s surrounded by younger lava flows, like an “island” within a sea of lava. There are more native tree species per acre here than any other forest in the national park, which means you’ll find native forest birds that rely on the native trees that grow here.

How much money do I need?

Park entry costs $30 for a private car, $25 for a motorcycle, and $15 for pedestrians and cyclists. The park has gone cashless, so payment has to be made with debit or credit cards in person or online .

If you're also planning to visit Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park near Kailua-Kona or Haleakalā National Park on Maui, consider buying the Hawaiʻi Tri-Park Annual Pass for $55. This allows you to enter all three of these parks in a single, private vehicle.

The National Park Service offers free admission to everyone on the following days: Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the first day of National Park Week in April, Juneteenth, the Great American Outdoors Act, National Public Lands Day and Veterans Day.

Average costs at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

• Basic room for two at Volcano House: $80 to $385 per night
• Airbnb in Volcano: $150 average per night
• Cup of coffee: $3.50
• Midrange meal: $15-$20 per person
• Local beer: $10
• Gas (regular) in Hilo: $4.81 per gallon

How to travel in the park consciously

With two active volcanoes and ongoing construction to repair damage caused by the 2018 Kīlauea eruption, it’s important to stay on marked trails and overlooks and keep out of closed areas. And no matter what you may have seen on social media, please leave the rocks alone and unstacked. Park staff often use ahu (stacked rocks) to mark trails; it’s not an invitation to do the same. Not only is it culturally insensitive but it can be disorienting to hikers who rely on the ahu to guide them along trails. It’s also long believed that taking lava rocks brings bad luck. Hundreds of people return rocks they’ve taken from the park every year.

There are many culturally significant sites within the park, itself a Unesco World Heritage Site. These include petroglyphs, historic trails, fossilized footprints, shelter caves, heiau (Hawaiian temples) and stone walls of canoe sheds and corrals. Many of these sites are listed in the National Register of Historic Places – please be respectful when you get the chance to see them close up.

The land within the park is sacred to Native Hawaiians, with moʻolelo (stories) and mele (songs) tied to this area. They believe Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of fire and volcanoes, lives in Halemaʻumaʻu Crater at the summit of Kīlauea. If you come across Native Hawaiians performing cultural rituals in the park, keep a respectful distance. Let them – and others – connect undisturbed with nature.

This article was first published September 2021 and updated about 4 hours ago

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